Hamlet v. Claudius: Speeches Act I, Scene ii

-In Act I: scene ii, Hamlet and Claudius both make speeches that reveal a lot about their character. Through Claudius' speech to Hamlet, it is revealed that Claudius is an extremely selfish man. Claudius is arguing with Hamlet because Hamlet is still mourning over the death of his father one month after his death. Claudius states that it is natural for someone to loose their father, and therefore Hamlet should not still be mourning. Claudius' way of speaking is very interesting, because most of the time he comes off as a compassionate person; however, his passion is just a facade for his inner selfishness. Hamlet, on the other hand, has two opposing ways of speaking. When he speaks in public, he hides his inner depression and acts as if everything is okay. He also is very witty in his speech. When Hamlet is alone, his speech illustrates his depression and anger towards Claudius and his mother. He is also very confused that his mother could move on and be happy so quickly after her husband died. Hamlet felt as though his mother was madly in love with his father. Hamlet, as-well-as Claudius, have a very complex way of speaking. Claudius and Hamlet both hide their true feelings in the way they speak in public; however, the reader is still able to pick up on how they both actually feel through the way they speak.