In Hamlet, what does ‘all occasions do inform against me’ mean?

In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the phrase ‘all occasions do inform against me’ reflects Hamlet’s deep sense of guilt and introspection. It appears in his soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 5, where he grapples with his emotions and his responsibilities.

The line suggests that every situation, every event, every external factor seems to point toward his failure to take action. Hamlet feels overwhelmed by the weight of his own inaction and the moral burden of avenging his father’s death. The word ‘inform’ in this context indicates that these occasions are providing evidence or insight into his state of mind and the internal conflict he faces.

Essentially, Hamlet is acknowledging that rather than pushing him toward action, these experiences serve to highlight his procrastination and reluctance, intensifying his feelings of despair and frustration. It showcases his struggle as he attempts to reconcile his thoughts with the reality of his circumstances, creating a poignant moment of self-reflection in the play.

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