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Hamlet


            Shakespeare's Hamlet is a tragedy containing elements of betrayal and revenge. Prince Hamlet is one seeking revenge for the untimely death of his father. Through the other characters? subjective opinions, Hamlet appears to be mad. However, through Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony, the audience is able to deduce that Hamlet'smadness? is feigned as part of his calculated scheme.
             Hamlet's scheme was clearly stated in Act 1.Scene 5. How strange or odd someer I bear myself (As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on)? It is plainly stated by Hamlet, when he wassane,? that he will feignmadness? in accordance with successfully seeking revenge for his father's death. .
             Many of the characters view Hamlet asmad? and this is shown in the way they attempt to interact with him. Polonius is a good example of this. In Act 2.Scene 2, Polonius? interaction with Hamlet, if taken out of context, could lead the reader to believe that Hamlet is mad. Polonius asks Hamlet if he knows him to which Hamlet answers,Excellent well. You are a fishmonger.? Looking at this statement through the eyes of Polonius, one might believe Hamlet to be quite far gone. The readers see that this is Polonius? opinion, later, when he says aside,How saw you by that? . . . Yet he knew me not at first; he said I was a fishmonger. He is far gone. Polonius is quite convinced that Hamlet is mad.
             However, through dramatic irony, the audience is able to see Hamlet chastising Polonius without him even realizing it, thus creating a humorous scene. By calling Polonius a fishmonger, Hamlet is using superior wit to mock Polonius. This whole scene is quite ironic because, although Polonius believes he has theupper-hand? or higher intelligence, in actuality Hamlet is playing him like a fiddle.
             The characters also are convinced that Hamlet'smadness? stems from his love for Ophelia, Polonius? daughter. Polonius says, in Act 2.


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