Reflections on 'Hamlet' Act 2

In the first scene of act 2, we learn that Polonius has ordered Reynaldo to spy on his son, Laertes, who is currently in Paris - "Inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris, And how, and who, what means, and where they keep...". This shows us that, much like his attitude towards his daughter, Ophelia, in act 1, he is also over-protective of his son. In this distrust, we can begin to see tragic elements unfolding - when someone is watching you and you are unaware, there is quite a disturbing factor about this. However, by adding this feature to the plot, Shakespeare has also created a sub-plot set aside from the main action of Hamlet's story, possibly to give the audience a look at some fresh material and to add new, unexpected twists.

Also, at this part of the story, we hear of Hamlet's insanity beginning to develop. This is evident when Ophelia enters to tell her farther that Hamlet has visited her appearing more or less naked and "with a look so piteous in purport as if he had been loosed out of hell". Polonius's instant reaction is to report this to the King, thinking that he will be able to get Hamlet under heavy observation after telling the King of this. After reading this, however, I cannot help but question if Hamlet has behaved this way deliberately, in an attempt to create a diversion - Is he really mad? or is it part of his plan? - to create an insane character to mislead the key figures around him. If he is generally insane, this is disturbing on it's own account, but if it is all just an act, it is very tragic because Hamlet has to manipulate and disturb those around him (Ophelia) just to create a diversion, which is exposing him to all kind of risks and observations from the King and others.

In scene 2, enough time has passed, possibly weeks or months, for the King and Polonius to from a summary to what they think caused Hamlet's madness. It is described by Voltemand as "against your highness; whereat grieved, that so his sickness, age, and impotence was falsely borne in hand...". What I think this means is that Hamlet has developed this lunatic personality simply because he is not happy with Claudius being King. Polonius also reports that Hamlet has written a letter to Ophelia and shows this to the King. In this letter, Hamlet states that he does love her, but he is "ill at these numbers". Polonius suggests that he and the King should spy on Hamlet, creating a trap, essentially using Ophelia as bait. This is where the tragedy is is further expressed because if Hamlet truly is mad, then Polonius could be setting his daughter up for another traumatizing encounter like she mentioned in act 1, but if Hamlet is not mental and just pretends to be, then he could be captured and punished for all the wrong reasons - there appears to be no positive outcome.

Later on in the scene, Hamlet arrives. He soon however becomes fascinated by the arrival of a group of actors, and speaks bizarre statements such as "I am but mad north-north west" and "buzz, buzz" in front of Polonius. Again, we wonder why he is saying this - is it to mislead Polonius? or is he generally a lunatic? However, Hamlet then reveals that he is planning to inset a scene in to the play that they actors are preparing that will simulate the murder described to him by the Ghost of his farther, which will be show in front of Cladius. Hamlet states that he will "observe his looks" to see if he becomes distressed by the action in front of him. If he does, Hamlet will then think he finally has evidence to protest against the King - something he was reluctant to do previously when the Ghost first mentioned it, in an attempt to remove him from the thrown an have the truth revealed. While this makes Hamlet appear clever, it seems as if he has had to go through a high amount o trouble to reach this stage, by possibly pretending that he is mad. But because he is so close to possibly having the truth revealed, I cannot help but fear that this effort will all be for nothing if his bizarre behavior is exposing him to more danger.