Hamlet

Act 3, Sc. 2, lines 100-123: Describe Hamlet's "madness" with Polonius and explain how and why it changes when he is with Ophelia.

Polonius. --Brutus killed me.

Hamlet. It was a brute part of him to kill so Capital a calf

there. Be the players ready?

Rosencrantz. Ay, my lord, they stay upon your patience.

Queen. Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.

Hamlet. No, good mother, here's metal more attractive.

[Turns to Ophelia]

Polonius. [aside to the King] O ho! Do you mark that?

Hamlet. [lying down at Ophelia's feet] Lady, shall I lie in

your lap?

Ophelia. No, my lord.

Hamlet. I mean, my head upon your lap.

Ophelia. Ay, my lord.

Hamlet. Do you think I meant country matters?

Ophelia. I think nothing, my lord.

Hamlet. That's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.

Ophelia. What is, my lord?

Hamlet. Nothing.

Ophelia. You are merry, my lord.

Hamlet. Who, I?

Ophelia. Ay, my lord.

Hamlet. O God, your only jig-maker! What should a man do

but be merry? For look you how cheerfully my mother looks

and my father within's two hours.

Ophelia. Nay, 'tis twice two months, my lord.

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Hamlet likes to have some fun with Polonius. He verbally baits Polonius and Polonius always walks into his trap, It was a brute part of him to kill so Capital a calf. Hamlet is being overtly sexual to Ophelia to harass and humiliate her. We see Hamlet's vendetta against women, largely because of his mother's behavior, being directed at Ophelia.