Hamlet essay

            The quote “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t,” is extraordinarily important to the theme and tone of Hamlet by Shakespeare, demonstrating how Shakespeare truly intends Hamlet to be seen, and comments on the “two facedness” of people in general.

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t,” is an extraordinarily important quote stated by Polonius in the first third of the play. Hamlet is seen by most characters as being absolutely mad, and Polonius is no exception, however, there comes a point where Polonius realizes, that Hamlet may have some kind of agenda. Polonius is right. At this point in the play Shakespeare wants the audience to understand that Hamlet knows what he is doing. Hamlet isn’t being indecisive, he has a plan that he is carefully carrying out. By having Polonius recognize this Shakespeare is trying to leave little room for interpretation. If even Polonius, who is often completely clueless, can recognize Hamlet’s agenda, than Shakespeare meant for Hamlet to act crazy while he really has a plan.

Hamlet acting crazy when he really isn’t demonstrates an important theme that is relevant throughout the play: people aren’t always who they say they are. Claudius acts like a good king who recently lost his brother, when he really is a power hungry murderer. Hamlet acts like a deranged teen whose father died when he is really plotting revenge. “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t” clearly demonstrates that people act one way when they truly are a completely different person.

By showing what Shakespeare truly means throughout the play, and contributing to the theme, the quote “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t” is important to a true and meaningful understanding of the play Hamlet.