Essay On Hamlet's Acting In Front Of Polonius

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An Analysis of Hamlet’s Acting in Front of Polonius Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is known for being a sarcastic and overdramatic showman throughout Shakespeare’s play. His intention in doing this is to hide his true feelings from other characters. From the beginning, Hamlet allows everyone but Horatio to think he is mad, mourning the loss of his father while in actuality plotting his revenge by the advice of the ghost. Later, he even casts out the woman he loves by acting as if he never loved her in the first place. Hamlet’s first demonstrated instance of feigned madness comes in Act II Scene II during his conversation with Polonius. After pretending not to recognize Polonius, Hamlet proceeds to mock him, answering his questions irrationally, and ultimately confirming Polonius’ notion that Hamlet is not sane. This encounter demonstrates the depth and profundity of Hamlet’s mind, almost so much so that it could be debated that Hamlet is truly insane after all. …show more content…

Polonius believes Hamlet is not mad because of the death of his father, but because of his daughter Ophelia’s rejection of his love. He claims that he himself is responsible for the discontinuation of their relationship, and implores “Hath there been such a time--I'd fain know that--That I have positively said 'Tis so,' When it proved otherwise?” (II.ii.144-47.) Clearly, Polonius believes his political advice has never been short of sound. His motives as a character are hotly debated as to whether he is driven by care for his children or by the desire to continue being seen well by the

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