Short Answer 
The passage centers on Hamlet’s contemplation of death as he reflects on Yorick’s skull, highlighting the universality of mortality regardless of social status. Through personal memories of Yorick, Hamlet grapples with the transient nature of life, ultimately emphasizing the inevitability of death and its profound impact on reflections about existence.
Step 1: Understand the Focus on Death
The primary theme of the passage is the concept of death. Hamlet holds Yorick’s skull and engages in a deep reflection about mortality. This prompts a contemplation of how death affects all individuals, demonstrating that regardless of one’s social status, everyone ultimately faces the same fate of decay.
Step 2: Reflect on Personal Memories
In the passage, Hamlet remembers Yorick, the court jester, and reflects on their past interactions. He recalls Yorick’s humor and the joy he brought to others, which highlights the contrast between life and death. This personal connection adds emotional depth to Hamlet’s thoughts, as he grapples with the loss and the transient nature of existence.
Step 3: Emphasize the Inevitability of Mortality
Hamlet’s examination of the skull not only symbolizes the physical reality of death but also serves as a reminder of life’s futility. The passage concludes with a strong message that emphasizes how death is inevitable and universal. Hamlet’s reaction illustrates how confronting this reality can provoke profound introspection about the meaning of life and the impact of death.