Hamlet - Acts 3,4 & 5

After finishing reading these three scenes, one thing that stood out to me was how Hamlet acts in such a "crazy" matter throughout all of the scenes, and play for that matter. His thoughts and actions seem to worsen as the play goes on. Three topics that follow through these scenes are love, death and suicide.

In Act three, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are supposed to figure out why Hamlet is acting so insane for the King and his mother, but they fail to do so. Ophelia's father, Polonius tries to prove that the reasoning behind Hamlet's actions is due to the strong love he has for Ophelia. During this act love and suicide are both demonstrated together. It is thought that Hamlet is talking of suicide because of his love for Ophelia. He speaks of these suicidal thoughts not realizing he is being spied upon by Polonius and King Claudius. His thoughts and word concern both of them and King Claudius tells his mother, Queen Gertrude, that she should talk to him privately and attempt to figure out what has brought these thoughts and feelings to him.

In Act four Hamlet's actions lead him to kill Ophelia's father, Polonius. Death plays a strong role in this act. After he kills him, King Claudius says that Hamlet is to be shipped to England as soon as possible. This is because he is too well known in Denmark to be punished severely, so he must send him away. However, King Claudius has secretly told England to murder Hamlet when he arrives. The death of Polonius has driven Ohpelia to become insane.

In Act five, Ophelia's death is questioned on whether it was an accident or suicide. She had drowned, but due to her insanity it was unsure if she had done it on purpose. However, the coroner says that it was accidental, which allows her to have a proper burial. Many are upset over her death, especially Laertes. Him and Hamlet cause a scene at her burial. This is also another demonstration of death, suicide and love.

The love Hamlet has for Ophelia causes him to act in odd ways. The love Ophelia has for her father who was murdered by Hamlet causes her to lose sanity and her life as well. It was interesting to me how three simple topics could lead to such detailed acts and plot.