In the first act, Hamlet appears to be very straightforward in his actions and thoughts. When questioned by Gertrude about his melancholy appearance Hamlet says, “Seems, madam! nay it is; I know not ‘seems.’” (I, ii, 76) This is to say that ‘I am what I appear to be.’ Later he makes a clear statement about his thoughts of mind when he commits himself to revenge. Hamlet says,

“…I’ll wipe away all trivial fond records,

All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past,

That youth and observation copied there;

And thy commandment all alone shall live

Within the book and volume of my brain…” (I, v, 100-104)

With this statement, the play makes a transition. Hamlet gives up the role of a student, and commits himself to nothing else but the revenge of his father’s death. There is no confusion and certainly no sign of madness in Hamlet’s character. In Chapel

O, this is hire and salary, not revenge.” (III, iii, 74-80)

And now I’ll do’t: and so he goes to heaven:

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