Hamlet's Madness

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

By writing few stage directions, Shakespeare encourages his audience to interpret the motives for Hamlet’s madness, feigned or true. Though evidence seems less than sufficient, I inferred that Hamlet's "Antic disposition" is merely a mask for his hatred. Wanting to avenge his father’s death in a rather inconspicuous manner, Hamlet recognizes the necessity to set up a scenario that would startle people.  Furthermore, it seems logical that this public outcry would be an excuse that should legitimize future irrational behavioral sequences. After analyzing Hamlet’s words about his "Antic disposition", I think that Hamlet uses his madness to create a nonissue in order to detract the attention from his revenge plan and instead focus on his sanity or lack thereof.

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

Evidently, Hamlet has been studying philosophy. Hamlet explains that actions are not inherently good or bad. Humans are the judges to assign descriptions to ideas, events, and people. Hamlet then goes on to talk about how is problem is his bad dreams because he knows that a clear mind leaves to emotional and mental freedom. Therefore, if we are unable to think nothing can be good or bad. Why is it that Al Qaeda is viewed as a group of  “bad people”. It has nothing to do with their biological makeup, but rather their speech patterns, actions, and previous experiences that have instilled terror and fear into other global citizens. Therefore, Hamlet’s opinion is very wise and defendable.  

Interestingly, when Hamlet comments on his “semi-insanity”, he simultaneously announces that he is “acting”. By admitting that he is only sometimes crazy, Hamlet reveals that he recognizes his times of sanity vs. insanity. It seems that these are his “Words, words, words” that he uses to persuade people into thinking that he is mad. The proof is that he remains completely sane in his soliloquies, a perfect opportunity to look deeper into his private character. If Hamlet were truly mad, his thoughts and plans would not be calculated.