Hamlet 5

Hamlet, the protagonist of the Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet, undergoes a dramatic change in character in the third act. Now that he has decided to act insane and crazy, Hamlet has become more outspoken and demanding. In previous scenes, he is the hopeless romantic in pursuit of Ophelia's love. During his encounter with Ophelia in act three, Hamlet says, "You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so (inoculate) our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not" (127-129). Ophelia confesses that she has been deceived by Hamlet because she believed that he loved her. Hamlet's character in act three greatly contrasts his character in the beginning of the play. When Hamlet is first introduced, he claims to be honest at all times and to never pretend. Now that he is acting insane, it is unknown as to whether his claims in the beginning of the play are lies, or whether his insanity is an act as well.