We first meet Prince Hamlet in Act 1 Scene 2. Despite his position in Denmark, he is not presented as a strong character. His first words are an aside and clearly show his extreme lack of affection for Claudius. He is very much in a state of melancholy, still experiencing deep grief after the loss of his father, and at his mother’s hasty remarriage to his uncle. His grief is real, and his first soliloquy highlights the extent of it. He talks of suicide, compares his father to Claudius, and speaks of his mother’s marriage. He is focusing on past events and memories, indicating that he does not have a desire to move on from his grieving state.
In his meeting with Horatio and Marcellus, Hamlet cannot hide his feelings towards the recent events in Denmark. It is clearly at the forefront of his mind. Upon learning of the appearance of the ghost he admits he is troubled and uneasy at this, but decides to see it for himself. Whilst waiting for the ghost to appear we get another glimpse of Hamlet’s distaste for Claudius, saying he gives all the people of Denmark a bad name. The arrival of the ghost shows Hamlet’s mixed feelings towards it, he is uncertain of its origin and purpose
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He tries to convince himself that he can commit murder and take revenge. He tells nothing to Horatio and Marcellus of what he has heard, but does say that he may appear to act strangely. He then promises himself that he will carry out the task of vengeance. He shames himself, as he has done nothing despite his honour being at stake. This highlights that he is still thinking of his plans to seek revenge. He is calm and rational, exchanging jests with the gravedigger. He also shows his real distaste towards his mother for the first time, and that he feels Claudius should suffer in purgatory as King Hamlet is. After they have both been wounded by the poisoned rapier, and Gertrude has died, Laertes puts the blame solely on Claudius. Laertes is of the opinion that the sincerity of Hamlet’s feelings is genuine but will be short-lived. This could suggest that he is still contemplating suicide, or that he is thinking about the consequences of murder. He again talks himself out of killing Claudius. He also says, however, that he will not take revenge until he is certain that the ghost is telling the truth.
When Hamlet is alone at the end of Scene 2, he is sure of Polonius’ guilt. Whilst talking with Polonius he is acting mad, speaking intelligent nonsense. Hamlet is also told that Claudius had seduced Gertrude before killing King Hamlet.
Approximate Word count =
1272
Approximate Pages =
5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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