In Hamlet's conversation with Claudius and Gertrude in the
beginning of Act I, Scene ii, Hamlet's introduction into the play, his first exchanges
with them reveal much of his character, establishing traits that will be developed
throughout the drama. Most significantly, Hamlet is shown to be a young man who feels
grief profoundly. When his mother asks why he "seems" to be taking his father's death so
hard since death is part of the natural order, Hamlet replies, "I have that within which
passes show." He does not simply "seem" or appear to be grieving; his real grief is
deeper than any outward trappings of mourning can
express.
Furthermore, when Claudius observes to Hamlet that
"the clouds still hang on you," Hamlet replies, "Not so, my lord. I am too much in the
sun." His words can be interpreted as a pun, as "sun" becomes "son." At this moment, the
role of son weighs heavily on Hamlet: He is a natural son who grieves for his dead
father, and he has become the unnatural "son" of his uncle. Hamlet is a young man who is
introspective and acutely sensitive to his
circumstances.
Other remarks by Hamlet suggest his
character more subtly. Hamlet's aside that he stands in relationship to Claudius as "A
little more than kin and less than kind," indicates his independent thinking and inner
conflict. He does not blindly accept his mother's marriage to Claudius; his resentment
is clear. When Gertrude makes requests of him, Hamlet will promise only to do "all my
best" to obey her; he will not vow complete obedience to her
wishes.
Hamlet's expressing his feelings in an aside shows
that he is one who can keep the truth of his feelings to himself, if he wishes. In this
first scene, therefore, Hamlet shows that he is capable of deceit; throughout the play
he and Claudius will deal with each other through deceit, each working to achieve hidden
agendas.
In his first appearance in the play and in very
few words, Hamlet is revealed to be a complex and deeply conflicted
character.
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