Hamlet

Pedro Olinger

5/5/2011

English 1202 BD

Professor Robinson

Hamlet

All through Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, the protagonist, Hamlet, seeks opportunities to gain revenge for his father’s murder, after learning that Claudius had murdered him. Hamlet chooses to forge madness in order to gain a chance to slay the newly crowned king Claudius. While the play continues, his representation of a lunatic becomes progressively more realistic, and soon others become concerned with his behavior. Many of the characters truly believe that Hamlet has gone completely insane. However, through his actions and thoughts, it is quite clear that Hamlet is only acting in this manner so he can get closer to achieving his task of gaining his father’s vengeance.

Hamlet’s true love, Ophelia, is one of the first characters that recognize Hamlet’s odd behavior. The way he had been presenting himself towards her was rather peculiar. He seemed to be emotionally week, especially after finding out his father had died, “Though Hamlet is linked with the vulnerability of reason to emotion, he nevertheless displays extraordinary emotional control, despite extreme provocation” (Levy 1). At first he exclaimed how madly in love he was with her, and then hastily said there was no affection between the two of them. Hamlet shows his everlasting love to Ophelia in a written letter saying, "Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love" (II.2.1212). Hamlet’s letter displays true affection toward Ophelia, however during their next encounter, Hamlet acts hostile towards Ophelia. Within a few days, Hamlet declares that he is no longer interested in Ophelia, and indicts her of being deceitful. This action show mixed messages from Hamlet, and perplexes Ophelia and others. When Polonius, Ophelia’s father, questioned Ophelia whether she trusts Hamlet is, actually madly in love with her? Ophelia responds,...