Hamlet

Is Hamlet still consciously donning an "antic disposition," or whether he is becoming really unhinged

Hamlet Act 3

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That is one of the major unanswered questions in Hamlet. I don't think Hamlet is mad or crazy. Consider that Hamlet told his Horatio and Marcellus that he would put on an "antic disposition" early on in the play.Hamlet even goes as far as to imply to Rosencrantz and Guldernstern that there is craft in his perceived madness. " I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is Southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw." Hamlet wishes to point out that there is method and cunning behind his "madness." The imagery involves bad weather and hunting birds. Beyond the chaos, Hamlet is saying that he knows a hunting hawk from a hunted "handsaw" or heron. Hamlet means that he is able to distinguish his enemies and friends. This pointed comment is meant for his "friends" Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.