Hamlet #6

In this section of Hamlet, Hamlet criticizes his mother for marrying Claudius. The two of them get into a debate which showcases Hamlet's true feelings for Claudius, and the relationship between Claudius and Gertrude. In this scene, Hamlet's madness is highlighted when the ghost of his father arrives. Hamlet's mother cannot see the ghost, and she believes that Hamlet is crazy for talking to no one. This shows that Hamlet's plan of acting insane is working in the eyes of others, even though Hamlet knows that he is not necessarily acting in such a way. This scene also demonstrates a change in Hamlet's attitude. Rather than wanting to commit suicide, Hamlet must realize that he must avenge his father's death. He still sees the world in a negative manner, but wants to serve his father right. This argument between Hamlet and Gertrude also shows a certain characteristic of Gertrude. When discussing the act of sinning, the queen says, "O Hamlet, speak no more!/ Thou turn’st mine eyes into my very soul,/ And there I see such black and grainèd spots/ As will not leave their tinct" (III.iv.99-102). Here, Gertrude mentions that her sins are so thick and dark that they will never be washed away. Perhaps she realizes that she has wronged Hamlet and her dead husband for marrying Claudius.