Hamlet's Use of Antic Disposition is a Tragic Error
HAMLET'S USE OF ANTIC DISPOSITION IS A TRAGIC ERRORIn the play "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, the main character is charged, to wreak revenge upon his father's murderer. Through examination, it is proven that Hamlet's choice of displaying an antic disposition, as a tool to further his goal is a tragic error on his part. At first, Hamlet's antic disposition is purposeful, with a goal in mind. However, when he begins to make use of it, Ophelia falls into utter madness. Eventually, Hamlet convinces himself that he has lost his mind. Hamlet puts on a mask of madness for the purpose of giving him a chance to take revenge and also provide him with a valid excuse for it. After the Ghost's first appearance to Hamlet, he decides that when he finds it suitable or advantageous to him, he will act as if he is mad. He says to Horatio "As I perchance hereafter shall think meet, to put an antic disposition on." (I; iv; 171.)1 This clearly indicates that from this point onwards, Hamlet has decided to act as if he was mad and is not actually mad. Quoted from one of Shakespeare's critics, "When he is alone we have the truth of him, but it is madness, which is on public exhibition". This strategy gives Hamlet a chance to find proof of Claudius's g
And, England, if my love thou hold'st at aught- As my great power thereof may give thee sense, Since yet thy cicatrice looks raw and red After the Danish sword, and thy free awe Pays homage to us- thou mayst not coldly set Our sovereign process, which imports at full By letters congruing to that effect The present death of Hamlet. " (V; i; 271-273) 1 This shows that despite his earlier statements, Hamlet does love Ophelia, but his antic disposition ruins their love and drives her into madness. (V; ii; 234-240) 1 Once more Hamlet's true madness shines through when he alone sees Old Hamlet's ghost in Gertrude's chambers. If't be so, Hamlet is of the faction that is wronged; His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy. He seems to balance the virtues of "playing a role", with being true to himself. Till I know 'tis done, Howe'er my haps, my joys were ne'er begun. I believe that Hamlet's conflicting behaviors and antic disposition are but symptoms of his true mental breakdown. Was't Hamlet wronged Laertes? Never Hamlet. Hamlet needs his revenge to be dramatic, so that he can finally get into his role and play it out. "Love? his affections do not that way tend,/ Nor what he spake, though it lacked form a little,/ Was not like madness. As Claudius said, "Madness in great ones must not unwatched go. " (III; i; 117-119) 1 However, while fighting with Laertes during Ophelia's funeral, Hamlet jumps onto her coffin and professes his true love for her. Hamlet subtly shows his awareness of his dissolving sanity as he apologizes to Laertes for wronging him.
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