In the play "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, the main character is charged, to wreak revenge upon his father's murderer. Through examination, it is proven that Hamlet's choice of displaying an antic disposition, as a tool to further his goal is a tragic error on his part. At first, Hamlet's antic disposition is purposeful, with a goal in mind. However, when he begins to make use of it, Ophelia falls into utter madness. Eventually, Hamlet convinces himself that he has lost his mind.

Hamlet puts on a mask of madness for the purpose of giving him a chance to take revenge and also provide him with a valid excuse for it. After the Ghost's first appearance to Hamlet, he decides that when he finds it suitable or advantageous to him, he will act as if he is mad. He says to Horatio "As I perchance hereafter shall think meet, to put an antic disposition on." (I; iv; 171.)1 This clearly indicates that from this point onwards, Hamlet has decided to act as if he was mad and is not actually mad. Quoted from one of Shakespeare's critics, "When he is alone we have the truth of him, but it is madness, which is on public exhibition". This strategy gives Hamlet a chance to find proof of Claudius's g

For like the hectic in my blood he rages,

Hamlet's antic disposition tragically fooled poor Ophelia. She was so devastated between her father's death and Hamlet's betrayal that she takes her own life. Hamlet insists to Ophelia that he never loved her, and that she is a fool for believing him, which shows that he is trying to convince others he has lost his mind. "You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not." (III; i; 117-119) 1 However, while fighting with Laertes during Ophelia's funeral, Hamlet jumps onto her coffin and professes his true love for her. "I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers/Could not, with all their quantity of love, / Make up my sum." (V; i; 271-273) 1 This shows that despite his earlier statements, Hamlet does love Ophelia, but his antic disposition ruins their love and drives her into madness.

Through examination, it is proven that Hamlet's choice of displaying an antic disposition is a tragic error on his part. Claudius was the only courtier who sees through the act, Ophelia fell into utter madness, and Hamlet convinces himself that he has lost his mind. As Claudius said, "Madness in great ones must not unwatched go." (III; i; 191) 1

Since yet thy cicatrice looks raw and red

As my great power thereof may give thee sens

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Approximate Word count = 982
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)