Hamlet's 'Antic Disposition': Page 830, #7,14

7. Why do you think Hamlet tells his companions he is likely to put on an "antic disposition" (1.v.172)? Is his behavior a deliberate strategy or a natural reaction to his anger and grief? Explain

Hamlet declares his use of an "antic disposition" probably due to his desire to expose his true anger and emotion without being completely judged for his behavior.His behavior seems to be a mixture of both deliberate strategy and natural reaction to his anger and grief. While his plan for avenging the death of his father includes his bizarre behavior throughout the play, the audience cannot help but wonder if his disposition reflects his true emotions in some way. His deliberate strategy can only take him so far, but at some scenes in the tragedy, Hamlet is seen expressing his deep anger and frustration in solitude. The dense similarities between his diction in his soliloquies and that of his behavior in public situations further proves a slight realness in his "antic disposition." In order to vent his anger and grief, which he is definitely filled up to the brim with AND as a deliberate strategy to attain success in his revenge on King Claudius, Hamlet puts on half a facade and half an emotional truth on his face, signifying his "antic disposition."


14. In Act 2 Scene 2, lines 236-37, Hamlet says "Why, then, 'tis none to you; for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." What assumptions underline Hamlet's response? What does he mean? Do you agree with what he says? he then says to his old friends, "I am but mad north-north west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw" (II.ii.330-31). What does this remark suggest about Hamlet's madness, about his antic disposition? is he mad, or is he acting? Explain

In Hamlet's response to Rosencrantz as he says "Why, then, 'tis none to you; for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so..."(2,2,236-237), his comic anger is in its transition to seriousness. The protagonist's main goal shifts to finding out if Guildenstein and Rosencrantz have been sent to spy on him. By beginning to force the two men into discomfort, Hamlet is determined to get the truth out of them. In his statement addressing his old friends: "I am but mad north-north west; when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw."(2,2,330-31), Hamlet almost clearly expresses his knowledge of his own insane behavior. While his behavior does represent both an act and his true emotions, Hamlet is sure to articulate that while he does, at times, let his anger carry him away, his friends can trust that he is mainly, only putting on an act.