HamNun+Michelle+Lim

Ever since he met the ghost of King Hamlet, Prince Hamlet has the thought of revenge in his mind. Although not mentioned directly, he has been thinking about ways to get back at his uncle for the murder he committed. Therefore, during his conversation with Ophelia, I would say that Hamlet has no idea that Polonius and Claudius are watching him. His anger and foul attitude towards Ophelia is only from his disappointment at Ophelia’s changed actions. Her gradually disappearing love is affect Hamlet this way.

From the moment that Hamlet appears in Act 3, he is talking to himself about the effects of his misery. Beginning with the famous quote, “To be, or not to be—that is the question,” he is suffering even without Ophelia standing right in front of him (III.i.58). Knowing the truth about his father’s past and having to live with the murderer so close by is giving Hamlet a very hard time. As these thoughts go by Hamlet’s mind, Ophelia enters. Just for a second, it is as if his worries are gone. However, the moment Ophelia mentions re-deliver the “remembrances of [Hamlet’s] that [Ophelia has]” of Hamlet, his attitude shifts (III.i.94-5). He instantly becomes defensive. Why defensive? As Ophelia has no idea about the revenge that Hamlet is planning, Hamlet feels the need to defend himself in any and all situations—especially from those who know Polonius and Claudius.

One way the audience would know that, however, Hamlet’s intentions and emotions for Ophelia are still the same is by looking at his initial reactions to Ophelia’s entrance. He doesn’t criticize Ophelia as soon as she is seen. He is rather gentle with her, “humbly” thanking her (III.i.93). The only problems is that in a matter of seconds (or what seems to be only a few seconds) Hamlet uses a perfect example to explain himself. He speaks of the need for women to use make up and cover their faces with products to make themselves beautiful while men don’t cover themselves up and portray honesty. Before, Hamlet would’ve called her beautiful no matter what and taken care of her dearly. However, once his mind is set on something else, something evil, this personality and characteristic follow.

Considering the fact that his revenge is coming near, regardless of his lack of knowledge about Polonius and Claudius hiding and eavesdropping, he is colder to Ophelia, telling her to go to a nunnery. In my opinion, I believe Hamlet is doing what is best for both Ophelia and himself in order to successfully accomplish his goal of revenge.