Act II, scene II starts off with the first results of Hamlet's 'antic disposition; Ophelia rushes in on her father, Polonious - with a frightened account of a late visit from Hamlet. In Ophelia's summary, Hamlet had rushed into her study, grabbed her wrist and looked into her eyes. He then sighed with despair and promptly exited. Hamlet's actions were discussed in detail in class. I find it interesting how his actions may be interpretted in two ways:
1. Hamlet knows that Ophelia is an obedient daughter - and in convincing her of his antic disposition, she will recount this to her father, who will then relay this to the king. A quick, and effective way of letting everybody know of his guise of madness.
2. Hamlet's rush in on Ophelia was a sincere one: Hamlet loves Ophelia, but is unsure if he can trust her with his secrets. When Hamlet grabbed Ophelia by the wrist and looked into her eyes, he concsciously felt that he could not trust her - and with that sigh of despair he withdrew.
In either case, Hamlet knows he is unable to trust the women he loves. Polonious - as Hamlet might have anticipated - attributes this madness to the broken heart of Hamlet, and exits the scene to notify Claudius. It is interesting to note his view of Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia has changed: he now admits Hamlet does truely love his daughter, and apologizes for his incorrect assumption in act I, scene III. "This is the very ecstasy of love"
- Tyler Scott
No comments:
Post a Comment