Here's how it breaks down:
* The Dramatic Context: Hamlet is deeply conflicted and grieving the death of his father. He's also facing the betrayal of his uncle, Claudius, who has married his mother and taken the throne.
* Pyrrhus as a Symbol: Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles in Greek mythology, is famously known for his vengeful killing of King Priam after the Trojan War. He's a powerful image of rage and violence.
* Hamlet's Internal Struggle: By referencing Pyrrhus, Hamlet is revealing his own feelings of anger and desire for revenge against Claudius. He sees himself as a potential avenger, comparing himself to the mighty Pyrrhus and envisioning a violent act against his uncle.
* Foreshadowing: The allusions foreshadow the play's central theme of revenge. Although Hamlet initially hesitates and struggles with his conscience, the image of Pyrrhus ultimately pushes him towards taking drastic measures.
Why does Hamlet choose this particular image?
* Parallelism: The play's overall narrative mirrors the Greek myth of revenge. Hamlet's father's murder is analogous to the Trojan War, and Claudius is comparable to Priam.
* Dramatic Effect: The allusion adds a heightened sense of drama and tragedy, making the audience aware of Hamlet's potential for violence and destruction.
* Emphasis on Hamlet's Inner Conflict: The juxtaposition of Hamlet's contemplative and philosophical nature with the image of the violent Pyrrhus emphasizes the conflict within him.
In conclusion, Hamlet's allusions to Pyrrhus in Act II, Scene ii serve as a potent symbol for his emotional turmoil, foreshadowing his future actions and reflecting the play's central themes of revenge and justice. He is caught between his desire for revenge and his hesitant, introspective nature, making the image of Pyrrhus a powerful and relevant reflection of his internal struggle.