Hamlet's Antic Disposition

A detailed Summary of Hamlet's Antic Disposition

William Shakespeare's Hamlet: "The Antic Disposition."

It could easily be concluded that the prime thematic idea behind Hamlet is revenge, and it would not be a difficult task to prove. A greater question would be in regards to Hamlet's "Antic Disposition," which ultimately preceded his revenge plot. What is the nature of this "Antic Disposition" and what role did it play in Hamlet's plan for revenge? Did having an "Antic Disposition" mean that Hamlet was indeed mad? What brought Hamlet to conclude that revenge was indeed the solution for his internal conflicts and malaise? What was Hamlet's rationale in making the decision to commit violent revenge? At what point in the play does Hamlet decide to embark on this mission of revenge, to devote his life to avenging the death of his father? Is Hamlet successful in his plan, and when does his plan effectively end? The analysis of certain key scenes will be required to provide conclusive evidence in order to answer the questions at hand. Knowledge of the play is required to consider these questions.

The phrase "Antic Disposition" is initially encountered by the reader in the closings of Act I, scene v. In the preceding scene Hamlet, Horatio and Marcellus are seen waiting for th

e Ghost Horatio had encountered the previous night. When it appears before them, Hamlet agrees that the Ghost bears a striking resemblance to his deceased father and it calls him forth to engage in some discourse-as during the previous night, The Ghost eluded the queries of Horatio and Marcellus to retreat at the call of a crow. At this point none of Horatio, Hamlet or Marcellus are certain whether the Ghost had come bearing evil or good sentiments. Hamlet is obviously intrigued by this spectre, and agrees to follow it, forcing his way past the concerned pair of Horatio and Marcellus. Scene v. of the Act begins with Hamlet and the Ghost engaging in conversation on another platform of the battlements. Hamlet is shocked to learn that Claudius was responsible for his father's death, and readily agrees to avenge his "most foul, strange, and unnatural murder." The Ghost tells Hamlet, and effectively, the audiences, for the first time the complete story of the King's death. The Ghost incriminates Gertrude concurrently, telling Hamlet of her adulterous ways with Claudius while the King was still living. Hamlet is upset by this, but the Ghost orders Hamlet to let God deliver the punishment to her and to concentrate on Claudius solely. The dawn then comes, forcing the ghost to return to the purgatory he must inhabit, because of the wrongful deeds he did prior to his own death. Afterward, Hamlet concludes he must put aside trivial matters and dedicate himself to the vengeance his father deserves. When Horatio and Marcellus catch up to Hamlet, he forces them to swear an oath of secrecy on all matters concerning the Ghost. They hesitate, and the Ghost calls forth an ethereal order they have no choice but to comply with. It is at this point that we encounter the phrase of much importance: Hamlet confides in his friends, Horatio and Marcellus, that he must put on an "antic disposition" for all to see for the duration of his plan. At this point it is evident that Hamlet intends to act insane to carry out the steps of his plot against Claudius. Here the plot is embarked upon.

Two months after Hamlet had met with the Ghost, in II, ii. Claudius and Gertrude are found discussing Hamlet's strange behaviour with two of his friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The audience is still of the idea that Hamlet is acting the lunatic, rather than actually insane. Here we find ourselves doubting, for the first time, whether or not Hamlet is still playing the lunatic or is actually becoming one. Although Gertrude is certain her quick re-marriage and the late king's death are the cause of Hamlet's ill-behaviour, Claudius is still uncertain as to the cause. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sent to effectively spy on Hamlet, as Polonius was. As they are leaving, Polonius enters with the messengers returning from Norway to report on Fortinbras. Polonius beings a long-winded, comical, roundabout speech, much to the dismay of the impatient queen. Polonius has concluded that Hamlet has fallen

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2010
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English