HAMLET'S USE OF ANTIC DISPOSITION IS A TRAGIC ERROR
             In 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 guilt and to consider his revenge scheme. This way Claudius will not think that Hamlet is capable of killing him and usurping the throne. Hamlet clearly hates Claudius, and wants revenge for his father. "A little more than kin, and less than kind!" (I; ii; 65.) 1 Hamlet is awaiting Claudius to fit the part of the villain. His action is virtually paralyzed whenever something or someone does not fit the part. Hamlet needs his revenge to be dramatic, so that he can finally get into his role and play it out.
             Hamlet tries repeatedly to portray the image of insanity, but often Claudius sees through the antic disposition. "Love? his affections do not that way tend,/...