Hamlet: Act 2, Scene 1-2

Hamlet: Act 2, Scene 1-2

In Act 2, Scene 1 and 2 Hamlet seems to be in a manic state. In scene 1, many are wondering why Hamlet seems to have gone mad. Ophelia is visited by Hamlet and he has an intense display of affection. This leads Ophelia, and eventually Polonius, to believe that she is the root of Hamlet’s madness. In this scene, Polonius’ meddling becomes evident not only in his actions with Ophelia but also with his son Laertes. Polonius seems to have many ulterior motives behind all of his actions, one of which is brownnosing the King and Queen when he brings news of Hamlet and hatches the plot of Ophelia and Hamlet’s meeting.

Hamlet also reveals that he is just as mad as everyone says he is. When he speaks of Denmark as a prison and how grey and dark his life is, we can see more and more why Hamlet seems to struggle with thoughts of suicide. We can also see how deeply he is being effected by his father’s ghost. However, Hamlet seems sane enough to hatch a plan and have the players act “The Murder of Gonzago” where Hamlet plans to add some lines.

I think it is really interesting that after a ghost has spoken to Hamlet and told him the truth behind the murder, Hamlet still feels the need to prove it was his uncle. I think that Hamlet at this point in the play, although he is suffering greatly, he is still conflicted with his morals. He is still deciding if he should act with his head or his heart. I am very intrigued to find out what happens with Hamlet’s added lines in the play and how his uncle reacts.