this latin phrase means “the art of dying”. it also denotes the Middle Age Latin texts (Ars Moriendi) which offer advice on the protocols and procedures of a good death, explaining how to "die well" according to Christian precepts. i believe these beliefs align with the mindset of Hamlet*,* who is preoccupied with his soul. **i also think that the literal meaning of the phrase is relevant as Hamlet makes an art of dying; here’s why.
Hamlet constantly grapples with the meaning and implications of death. His famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy is the clearest example of this. In it, Hamlet questions whether life is worth enduring when death may offer a release from suffering. However, his uncertainty about what comes after death—the “undiscovered country”—makes him hesitate. This contemplation elevates dying into an intellectual and spiritual exercise, rather than just an inevitable event. In this sense, Hamlet is refining an art of dying through thought, by engaging deeply with the nature of existence and non-existence.
For Hamlet, dying is not merely a passive end but an act that must be approached with a certain moral consciousness. His internal conflict over killing Claudius is a prime example. He hesitates to take action not just because of practical concerns but because he is wrestling with the ethical implications of murder and revenge. He is preoccupied with the idea of dying rightly—his need to ensure that Claudius' death occurs when his soul is corrupted, and his desire to die without being tainted by unjust actions. Hamlet’s concern with the moral righteousness of death, both for himself and others, gives a certain gravitas to his own approach to dying.
Hamlet consciously performs his madness and stages the play-within-a-play, both of which can be seen as ways of controlling the narrative of life and death. His "antic disposition" is a strategy to navigate the deadly politics of the Danish court, and his manipulation of "The Mousetrap" play allows him to confront Claudius indirectly with the reality of his impending death. Hamlet’s self-awareness and control over these performances suggest he is crafting his own narrative, including how he dies and how others meet their end. In this way, Hamlet turns the act of dying into something theatrical and intentional—another layer of artistry.
By the end of the play, Hamlet seems to achieve a kind of acceptance of death. In Act 5, his “readiness is all” statement shows a shift from anxiety about death to a calm acceptance of it. He no longer seeks to avoid or control the circumstances of his death, but instead, he resigns himself to the inevitability of fate. This attitude mirrors the Ars Moriendi idea of preparing the soul for death. Hamlet’s eventual peace with dying can be seen as a culmination of his art, where he has finally mastered the balance between life and death.
Throughout the play, death is portrayed not just as an end but as a transformation. Hamlet frequently reflects on the physical decay that follows death, as seen in his encounter with Yorick’s skull. The play also highlights how death levels all distinctions between individuals—kings and jesters alike share the same fate. In this sense, Hamlet's fascination with death becomes part of a larger exploration of human nature, where dying is more than an end; it is a process that reveals essential truths about life, identity, and power.