The relationships between Hamlet and his mother and Hamlet and Ophelia could be portrayed as similar. Hamlets love for both women forces him to act in strange ways. He tells Ophelia to ‘go to a nunnery’ (3,1,126). A nunnery is a convent of nuns. If Ophelia did go to a nunnery, not only would she be safe, but she would have to vow to a life of celibacy meaning she would not be with another man which also benefited Hamlet and his selfish manner. He loses control and his violent side comes out during their confrontation (3,1).
Similarly, Gertrude also receives some violence from Hamlet. He makes it clear that he does not like Claudius. But there are two reasons behind this. One is for the more obvious- his father’s murder- however, the second reason is more complicated. Hamlet’s main focus at the start of the play was revenge. However, other issues like his mother’s bed and whom she shares it with steers him away from his mission. If Hamlet does have an Oedipus complex, then this could be one of the reasons why his relationship with Ophelia is could not last.
The result of their complicated love is Ophelia loosing her mind and committing suicide. Unlike hamlet, Ophelia lost all sense of sanity and looses control. However hamlet can use his supposed ‘madness’ to confuse and manipulate the likes of Polonius. Ophelia’s madness leaded her to suicide, which is something that Hamlet considered but could not come through with.
Hamlet has to put up a guard throughout the play to try and hide some of his feelings. We witness an example of this when he tells Ophelia when he tells her he does not love her anymore and to Polonius after he murders him.
Hamlet dismisses Polonius’ body ‘wretched, rash intruding fool, farewell.’ However he had previously defended Polonius. His unstable behaviour is seen through the whole play. He alienates himself after Claudius becomes king. This draws attention to him and this makes him paranoid- though with reason.
Hamlet, Fortinbras and Laertes all have things in common, yet they contrast as well. All three have lost their fathers to murder. However all three have ended up with different fates. Laertes and Hamlet’s fate is similar in the sense that they both die after their battle. This benefits Fortinbras as he becomes the new king, conquering Denmark. However, he does get Hamlets blessing. However all three reconcile with one another and they realised that their grief influenced actions were at times, irrational. Fortinbras, however, proves to be a better king as he takes total control and acts without dwelling on the situation whereas Hamlet’s ‘conscience’ prevents him from action.
As a king, Claudius doesn’t live up to his own expectations. Even at the start of the play, he shows signs of disinterest for his country (1,2), compared to Fortinbras, who followed through and invaded Denmark (5,2), Claudius also loses focus like Hamlet throughout the play. He obsesses over his family issues, rather than ruining his country. Claudius is also confused about Hamlet’s sanity and he faces guilt throughout the play.
Claudius knows that him killing his own brother for the throne didn’t go unnoticed by Hamlet. Claudius is suspicious about whether or not Hamlet is acting mad and putting on a show. He senses that Hamlet knows the truth about his father’s death. This is why Claudius confesses whilst praying ‘A brother’s murder.’ (3,1,380) what he does not know is that Hamlet hears him.
It comes across to the audience that Hamlet is mentally disturbed. However we also find out that Hamlet is a capable actor. His behaviour is differs around different people. Next to Horatio and the players, he is fine and could even be seen as normal (3,2).
In conclusion, Hamlet’s behaviour is so diverse, that the audience cannot tell whether he is acting or really insane. His behaviour towards women, compared to his friends is completely different. However, hamlet was still in a state of grief which Claudius could not understand. Hamlet was obviously not happy with his life and he even considers suicide. William Shakespeare always shows two sides to Hamlet.