Hamlet

Hamlet Shakespeare's Hamlet is a tragedy containing elements of betrayal and revenge. Prince Hamlet is one seeking revenge for the untimely death of his father. Through the other characters' subjective opinions, Hamlet appears to be mad. However, through Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony, the audience is able to deduce that Hamlet's 'madness' is feigned as part of his calculated scheme. Hamlet's scheme was clearly stated in Act 1.Scene 5. 'How strange or odd some 'er I bear myself (As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on)' It is plainly stated by Hamlet, when he was 'sane,' that he will feign 'madness' in accordance with successfully seeking revenge for his father's death. Many of the characters view Hamlet as 'mad' and this is shown in the way they attempt to interact with him. Polonius is a good example of this. In Act 2.Scene 2, Polonius' interaction with Hamlet, if taken out of context, could lead the reader to believe that Hamlet is mad. Polonius asks Hamlet if he knows him to which Hamlet answers, 'Excellent well. You are a fishmonger.' Looking at this statement through the eyes hamlet, polonius, scene, mad, act, hamlets, ophelia, characters, revenge, madness, through, out, very, says, quite, again, uncle, one, love, way, statement, soliloquy, shows, play, mother, audience, able, 2scene, two, times, superior, now, intelligence, however, feigned