Question

1. Note the description of Hamlet's behavior. What is the dramatic value of having Hamlet tell us he may "put on an antic disposition" and doing so come close together?

Answer 1

Answer:

He "put on an antic disposition" to show it to everyone that he is insanely in love with Ophelia and had become mad. But in truth, he was just putting on an 'act' to make everyone believe he is just a crazy person, which will make it better for his plan to avenge his father's death.

Explanation:

William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (Act I scene v) shows the scene where Hamlet tells Horatio that he will be "putting on an antic disposition" in the near future. He also warns him not to let on in any chance.

This "antic disposition" is to show to all the other characters of the play that he had indeed gone crazy due to his love for Ophelia. But in truth, we the readers and the viewers all know that this was far from the truth. He is just putting is as his front, as a 'face' in front of everyone. This 'acting' of his makes the other characters get well along with him, with everyone blaming his insanity from love for his behavior. This will also make it easier for him to continue with whatever plan he had devised.