Final answer:
Hamlet's indecision is emblematic of the play's complexity and Shakespeare's exploration of profound emotional experiences that challenge the boundaries of action and artistic expression. It underscores themes like the insufficiency of his mother's character to represent his disgust and the intricacies of feigned madness as an emotional outlet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of Hamlet's indecision reflects the complexity of his character and the central conflict in the play, which diverges from the straightforward revenge plot of its predecessor works. Shakespeare's Hamlet grapples with themes beyond simple vengeance, particularly the emotional implications of a son's disgust towards his mother's actions, and the challenges of expressing inexpressible emotions through art. This struggle with action and expression is a product of the protagonist's rich inner life, but also a reflection of Shakespeare's own artistic aims and challenges.
The play's major conflict is not solely around revenge but also about the inadequacy of Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, as a symbol of his disgust, which cannot be fully expressed or resolved through action. This creates a paralysis that both Hamlet the character and Shakespeare the playwright seem to share—an inability to reconcile deep emotion with the limitations of their respective realities.
Furthermore, Hamlet's feigned madness becomes more than a strategy; it acts as a form of emotional relief for a character burdened with feelings he cannot act upon. This suggests that madness is, for Hamlet, less an act than a state of being, serving as a protective mechanism against overwhelming emotions and a complex moral landscape.