Concealing & Revealing

Concealing and revealing is a major conflict in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Hamlet, in particular, after finding out that Claudius murdered his father, begins to conceal his true actions and ambitions by pretending to be crazy. As Hamlet starts to form his plan of revenge again Claudius, he only reveals to his friends that his actions are nothing more than an act; "I am but mad north-north west: when this wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw." (II.ii.330-31). This clearly proves that Hamlet is not actually crazy because he explicitly says that he can decide when and how to act like a mad man. In addition, King Claudius proves to be a very deceptive character because he conceals his true ambitions and identity; "That we with wisest sorrow think on him, together with remembrance of ourselves." (I.ii.6-7). This clearly shows Claudius' hidden feelings and agenda because he obviously has no remorse or pitty on the former King's recent death. Following this act, Claudius begins to reveal his true ambitions to the audience and begins to show his apathetic nature towards everyone that stands in his way of being King.