Final answer:
Hamlet's self-beratement for not showing sufficient sorrow is unwarranted, as his struggle is with inexpressible emotions that are too complex for simple outward demonstration. Shakespeare explores the profound disconnect between Hamlet's internal conflicts and the external world. Thus, Hamlet’s self-criticism reflects the complexity of his emotions rather than the reality of his grief.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is Hamlet’s judgment of himself in the soliloquy ending Act II of Shakespeare’s play warranted? One may argue that Hamlet’s self-beratement for not demonstrating sufficient sorrow compared to the player is indeed unwarranted. In Act I, Hamlet protests that his grief is genuine, not feigned. By Act II, he chides himself for not showing as much emotion as an actor who, ironically, feigns emotions for a living. This juxtaposition highlights Hamlet's deep internal struggle with expression and action, a central theme of the play. Hamlet is consumed by an emotion which is inexpressible, as it goes beyond the scope of what is objectively observable. Put simply, Hamlet cannot articulate this profound emotional tumult, nor can he act upon it in a way that would be satisfying or possibly moral.
Hamlet’s predicament is not unusual but rather a classic Shakespearean dilemma: the struggle to reconcile intense inner emotions with the external world's expectations or limitations. This struggle is further complicated by his disillusionment with his mother’s actions, which serve as a catalyst for his inexpressible disgust and emotional paralysis. The substance of Hamlet's challenge lies less in the action of revenge and more in the psychological complexities induced by his mother's behavior and the larger existential questions it raises for him.
In conclusion, the intensity of Hamlet's feelings cannot be adequately displayed through the mere imitation of grief, because his sorrow and frustration are too complex and profound for simple outward demonstration. The nuances of Hamlet’s internal conflict represent one of Shakespeare’s more ambitious examinations of human psychology, suggesting that Hamlet's self-criticism may be a reflection of this broader artistic struggle rather than a fair assessment of his genuine grief. Therefore, it may be unjust for Hamlet to expect of himself a level of emotional display that is inherently unattainable due to the depth and complexity of his true feelings.