Home > Q&A by Experts > Literature >
Q

What’s the meaning behind “…for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so” in Act 2, scene 2?

A

The phrase conveys Hamlet’s inner emotional state and philosophy. Hamlet is depressed because his father died. Similarly to the state of Denmark, he is also physically and mentally constrained. It is due to Claudius usurped the throne and married his mother. These two factors summarize the meaning of the phrase.

Detailed answer:

To understand the analysis, the reader has to know the context. A dialogue between Hamlet and his acquaintances precedes the phrase. Hamlet asks what brought Guildenstern and Rosencrantz to prison. They ask the opposite question about which jail in question. By prison Hamlet means Denmark. His friends answer him that then the whole world is a prison. Hamlet agrees with this statement but notes that Denmark is the worst of them. Guildenstern and Rosencrantz disagree with him. To which Hamlet says that, therefore, this prison is not meant for them. Then he pronounces his famous philosophical phrase.

Hamlet understands that Denmark is just a place. However, the political situation of his homeland depresses him. Personal tragedy also has a negative effect on him. Imagine this: your father and the only friend are dead, and the fratricide usurper seized the throne. Therefore, Hamlet here can be seen as a personification of melancholy relativism.

Answer's rating:
Updated:
Ask your Question
(We won’t publish it)
Cite This page
You're welcome to use this expert's answer in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2024, August 20). What's the meaning behind "...for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" in Act 2, scene 2? https://ivypanda.com/q/whats-the-meaning-behind-for-there-is-nothing-either-good-or-bad-but-thinking-makes-it-so-in-act-2-scene-2/

Work Cited

"What's the meaning behind "...for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" in Act 2, scene 2?" IvyPanda, 20 Aug. 2024, ivypanda.com/q/whats-the-meaning-behind-for-there-is-nothing-either-good-or-bad-but-thinking-makes-it-so-in-act-2-scene-2/.

References

IvyPanda. (2024) 'What's the meaning behind "...for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" in Act 2, scene 2'. 20 August.

References

IvyPanda. 2024. "What's the meaning behind "...for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" in Act 2, scene 2?" August 20, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/whats-the-meaning-behind-for-there-is-nothing-either-good-or-bad-but-thinking-makes-it-so-in-act-2-scene-2/.

1. IvyPanda. "What's the meaning behind "...for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" in Act 2, scene 2?" August 20, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/whats-the-meaning-behind-for-there-is-nothing-either-good-or-bad-but-thinking-makes-it-so-in-act-2-scene-2/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "What's the meaning behind "...for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" in Act 2, scene 2?" August 20, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/whats-the-meaning-behind-for-there-is-nothing-either-good-or-bad-but-thinking-makes-it-so-in-act-2-scene-2/.

Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.