Hamlet Act I Scenes iv-v: Hamlet’s Transformation

Hamlet is introduced in the play as a man who appears to be genial and considerate, at least at an average level. He, unlike his mother and uncle, mourns appropriately for his father. Says Claudius of Hamlet’s sorrow, “’Tis sweet and commendable in your nature Hamlet, / To give these mourning duties to your father,” (I.ii.90-91). Hamlet is gentle towards his friends in his words as well: “I am glad to see you well…Sir, my good friend,” (I.ii.166, 169).

Hamlet begins to stray away from consideration of his friends by his “toys of desperation,” in scene 4, upon seeing his father’s ghost. He explains that his “fate cries out,” (I.iv.91) and resultingly does not heed the pleas of his friends for him to stay. Here, too, is the first sign that Hamlet’s disposition is being affected by his pursuit of what he perceives is his fate, when he threatens to “make a ghost of him that lets me!” Horatio’s following remarks foreshadow the metamorphosis that Hamlet will undergo, marking that “he waxes desperate with imagination” (I.iv.97). The prince imagines that his destiny lies with the ghost, as indeed it does, only he will become desperate with the knowledge he will acquire.

Upon Hamlet’s revelation of his father’s murder, he insinuates at the drastic change ahead, telling the ghost that he will surrender his previous beliefs and memories, clinging to nothing but what he has been told. Hamlet is releasing his beliefs and with them his disposition in a full embrace of revenge. His demeanor and tone towards Horatio and Marcellus become those of sarcasm, mocking their concern for him. When Horatio appropriately asks what news has been brought, Hamlet jabs, “O, wonderful!” (I.v.128). He also mistrusts his friends, demanding repeatedly and forcefully that they swear on his sword to be silent. Hamlet’s development upon his encounter with his dead father begins the course that he will follow for the remainder of the play.