Cory's Question #2

I think in the beginning Claudius wants Hamlet to leave because he wants the throne and his wife all to himself. And later on after the play I think he wants Hamlet to leave because he knows Hamlet's on to him. He knows Hamlet probably wants to reveal the truth to every one and to kill him. I think by this time he's figuring out that Hamlet's "madness" is just an act to fulfill his plan of vengence for his father's mother.

Hamlet's World Views

Hamlet's father wants him to believe in vengence. We see that when the ghost of his father comes to him and tells him to avenge his death. The father makes it clear that Hamlet must avenge him, that it is his duty. Gertrude wants Hamlet to marry Ophelia. This tells me she believes in marriage...even though her marriage is screwed up.

Claudius?

I think Claudius thinks there is more to Hamlet's "madness". I think he thinks that Hamlet is not really mad and that he is just acting. Why would Claudius want to find stuff out about Hamlet's behavior if he didn't think there was a reason for it. It wouldn't make sense to try and find a reason for his behavior if it was real madness.

Does Hamlet Really Love Ophelia in Act 1-3?

I think Hamlet might have been interested in Ophelia in the beginning but nothing more. If he really loved her he wouldn't have been able to get over her so fast...unless he's a heartless butthead. Maybe he just wanted her body and knew what he had to say to get it. Why would he send her letters saying he loves her and then tell her she's a whore. Like in line 122 in 3.1, "Go thee to a nunnery." He's just crazy.

Hamlet 3.1 and 2

Um I think Hamlet is faking his craziness. Cuz when your crazy you do not realize it. Crazy people don't just sit around wondering if they are crazy...in fact they wouldn't believe someone if they told them they were. Ya and Ophelia needs to stop relying on her father. Claudius is a control freak by the way. Back to Hamlet, he is putting on an act and I'm curious why.