These lines point to the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Hamlet contemplates the decay of even the most powerful figures, like Alexander the Great, and wonders about the ultimate fate of everyone.
Here's a breakdown of the themes:
* Mortality: The lines explicitly state that even Alexander, a symbol of greatness and power, has returned to dust, highlighting the inevitability of death.
* Fleeting nature of life: Hamlet ponders the transformation of a powerful king into mere earth, emphasizing the impermanence of all things.
* Existential questions: He questions the meaning of life and death, asking why such a transformation should occur.
The soliloquy explores the universal anxieties about death and the meaninglessness of life that have resonated with audiences for centuries. Hamlet's existential questions and his grappling with mortality are central to the play's exploration of human nature.