Hamlet+3.1

4 / 5. Polonius says, "But I do believe/ The origin and commencement of his [Hamlet's] grief/ Sprung from neglected love" (3.1.190-192). Polonius suggests the idea that I am planning to focus my mini-analysis for Hamlet Act 1 and 2 on, which is that much of Hamlet's supposed madness results from neglect. Hamlet's madness springs from his desire for attention. Unless Polonius is referring to Hamlet's neglect of Ophelia's love..then this quotation would not apply to my other idea.

7. In Hamlet's soliloquy "to be or not to be", Hamlet is reflecting on his suffering and existence on earth. In trying to get inside Hamlet's mind, I believe he is extremely confused and troubled. Hamlet is trying to remain loyal to his father, while he also has a conscience. This guilt, in my opinion, demonstrates that Hamlet has good intentions/is a good person. However, these troubles and series of traumatic events result in his supposed madness. Hamlet feels unable to act on anything he says he will do, he can only articulate his thoughts and desires. His statement that "conscience does make cowards (of us all)," mentions the human flaw of over-thinking and not be able to act on certain feelings because of one's mind (3.1.91). In this way, Hamlet's mind/conscience/guilt is getting in the way of his goal to murder the king.

3 / 5. "Get thee (to) a nunnery" (3.1.131). Rude! I understand what Hamlet is saying here but I am not really sure if I see why he is saying it. Since he is in a state of mental instability, it is possible that he does not have a reason for all of his actions/words. However, I do not get why he all of a sudden turns on Ophelia - is this because he knows he should not have her? Does he realize that he is leading her on again? Why is he being rude again? Hamlet's emotions are kind of astray (which is understandable for his current situation)..but still, his constantly changing feelings for Ophelia are strange. Is it possible that Hamlet knows people are watching him and does not want to seem in love?