Furthermore, in Act I, Scene 2, Gertrude asks Hamlet, “Why seems it so particular with thee?” Since death is common to all, she asks, why does Hamlet seem to be making such a particular fuss about his father’s death? He replies, “Seems Madam? Nay it is. I know not seems.” (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 75 & 76) It is not a question of seeming, but being: His black mourning clothes are simply a true representation of his deep unhappiness. With this line, the theme of appearance versus reality is developed which is intended to stress Hamlet’s dedication to truth in contrast to appearance which serves others, notably Claudius. Hamlet demands honesty, but is he himself always honest?
The audience is always being included in Hamlet’s thinking process through the use of soliloquies. By involving the audience in Hamlet’s thoughts it helps the real meaning of the play shine through. The audience is told of past events without a narration that can sometimes take away from the play itself. As far as I’m concerned, the main character’s thoughts are not always obvious to the audience. For that reason, the soliloquies spoken by Hamlet are directed to the audience, rather than seeming like conversations with himself. In the first soliloquy (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 129-159), Hamlet talks about how aggravated at life he is and that if it weren’t for God’s laws he would commit suicide. He is not really mourning his father’s death in this soliloquy but more his disgust for his mother for marrying his uncle especially within a short time after his father’s death. He then goes to explain he must remain silent. He is explaining to the audience that nothing can undo the situation to make it any better. But that isn’t good enough for Hamlet. Something has to be done. This soliloquy sparks an interest in the audience and provides a glimpse into Hamlet’s thoughts while informing of the history of his family’s tribulations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I need help on scene 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later on, Hamlet goes to extremes of going with the ghost that looks like his father even though his friends warn him that the ghost may be evil and “…tempt you toward the flood…Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff…” (Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 69 & 70). If the prince was thinking right he would not have with the ghost that resembled the old “…King, father, royal Dane…” (Act 1, Scene 4, Line 45). Hamlet’s radical actions do not just prove that he can sometimes be immature but also proves that he needs action from outside sources in order to get a reaction from himself. Being radical and acting on impulse is something that Hamlet has to use in order to get his work finished.
Because of his persistent doubt whether Claudius did, in fact, kill his father Hamlet defers making plans to act out his revenge. Hamlet’s internal dilemma begins to take place in full swing in Act 1, Scene 5; Although deeply sorrowful by his father’s death, he did not consider payback as an option until he meets the ghost of Hamlet’s father calling upon Hamlet to “revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 25). Basically, the ghost tells Hamlet that King Claudius, his own brother, murdered him. It is from this point forward that Hamlet must struggle with the dilemma of whether or not to kill Claudius, his uncle, and if so when to actually do it. However, upon his father’s command, Hamlet reluctantly swears to retaliate against Claudius. In my opinion, Hamlet does this not because he wants to, but because his father makes it clear that it is his duty as a son. With the truth being accepted as merely directive, Hamlet promises to prove his love and duty by killing Claudius.
In the second soliloquy (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 92-109) Hamlet seemingly calls on the audience, the “distracted globe”, to hear his vow to get revenge on his uncle and to erase all from his mind except that of what the ghost has informed him of. Again, the ghost, Hamlet’s father, has explained to him that Claudius had killed him and his soul couldn’t rest until revenge was brought onto his brother. The audience hears Hamlet’s promise to make Claudius pay for his murderous ways. Already, the audience should be excited by hearing Hamlet’s promise because it is giving them something to look forward to.
To present the idea of Hamlet’s insanity, one can observe the prince’s interaction with the ghost of his father. For example, after Hamlet’s first interaction with this ghost, he puts forth, as Horatio calls them, “wild, and whirling words” (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 139). Why ,right, you are in the right. And so without more circumstance at all I hold it fit that we shake hands and part, You, as your business and desire shall point you - For every man hath business and desire, Such as it is - and for my own poor part, Look you, I will go pray (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 133-135).
It is certainly understandable for someone who has just lost their father, and gained a stepfather to suddenly go mad. However, some time passes before Hamlet is “mad”. In fact, before he even begins showing signs of madness, he says to his friend Horatio “As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on” (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 179 & 180). It is not until after this statement that Hamlet becomes mad, and in saying this statement, it is implied that he is in fact feigning madness. The concept of “antic disposition” is the feigned madness that Hamlet uses as his first step towards revenge. Here, as far as I can make out, is a clear indication that Hamlet is a thinker, and bares a calculating intellect. It is this very intellect that I should question in Hamlet’s status as a hero, simply because he is inextricably linked to a critical and tragic flaw within his nature.
In conclusion, the Danish prince is developed into a mysterious and fascinating man. A philosopher and “avenger of wrongs”, he is a man disgusted with the rottenness of life around him and is obligated to set things right. Under the guise of madness he attempts to achieve his ends; yet there is much to puzzle over. Hamlet thinks too much and this drove him to an insanity that was not feigned – Hamlet’s “antic disposition” can easily be understood, through examples of Hamlet’s unpredictable attitude changes and interactions with the ghost of his father, to be only the tip of the iceberg concerning his unstable mental side.
