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 seech 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 crazy attitude will give him time to get revenge for his father. Hamlets facade is clearly visible when he speaks with the king's advisor, Polonius. Hamlet realizes that Polonius is spying on him for the kings, so Hamlet does the best he can to act as though he is crazy. Hamlet runs into Polonius when Polonius asks if Hamlet knows him. Clearly Hamlet knows who Polonius is because he is the King's advisor, and Hamlet is involved with Polonius' daughter. Strangly enough, Hamlet responds to Polonius' question with: "Excellent well; you are a fishmonger" (Act II, scene ii, line 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.
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