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Public v. Private Speech: Hamlet’s Controlled Insanity & Claudius’ Selfish Guilt

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, characters' language allows the read to understand the true meaning of what the characters are saying. Hamlet and King Claudius are perfect examples of characters whose language allows the reader to understand the true intent of what they are saying. Interestingly enough, both Hamlet and Claudius have a different way of speaking in a public and private setting. However, the way in which they do so contrasts completely. Hamlet, in public, tries to hid his true feelings, which he reveals in private speech. Claudius seems to be a compassionate ruler, whereas in private the reader understands his selfish attitudes. Therefore, although both Hamlet and King Claudius use dramatic language to disguise the truth, Hamlet uses his speech to hide his true feelings and Claudius uses his speech to hide his true, selfish attitude.

Both Hamlet and King Claudius hide their true emotions while they speak in public. Hamlet hides his true feelings in public speaking by pretending to be crazy. He believes that his insanity will give him time to get revenge for his father. Hamlet’s facade is clearly visible when he speaks with the king's advisor, Polonius. Hamlet realizes that Polonius is spying on him for the king, so Hamlet does the best he can to act as though he is crazy. For example, Polonius runs into Hamlet and asks if he knows him. Clearly Hamlet knows who Polonius is because he is the King's advisor, and Hamlet is involved with Polonius' daughter, Ophelia. Strangely enough, Hamlet responds to Polonius' question with: "Excellent well; you are a fishmonger" (2.2.173). Hamlet's statement confuses Polonius because later in the conversation Hamlet talks about his affection for his daughter, right after he asks Polonius if he has a daughter! Hamlet's plan is extremely effective because he leaves Polonius confused as ever, yet he does have a suspicion that there is a reason, or "method" for Hamlet's madness. Contrasting to Hamlet’s way of hiding his true intentions for revenge, King Claudius hides his guilt by being very commanding and asserting his authority. Claudius kills his brother, the king, and then steals Hamlet’s right to the throne all due to his selfish attitude and quest for power. Because he gained the crown in this manner, while in public, he must hide his guilt. When Claudius speaks in public, especially to Hamlet, he is extremely assertive and demeaning. Claudius’ first real demeaning conversation with Hamlet has to do with Hamlet grieving over the death of his father. It is likely that the reasons for Claudius being so angry over this is because Hamlet’s grieving reminds Claudius of his guilt. Claudius states to Hamlet: “’Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet” (1.2.87). Claudius’ tone is extremely demeaning and he treats Hamlet like he is a young child. Claudius relays to Hamlet that is grieving is “sweet,” but he continues to state that all people loose their father, and Hamlet needs to get over the fact that his father is dead. Claudius believes that Hamlet has been mourning for too long, even though it has only been a month, and this is due to the fact Hamlet’s grieving is a constant reminder of Claudius’ guilt. Although both Hamlet and Claudius hide their true feelings and intentions while speaking in public, they go about doing so in completely opposite ways.