r"(3.1.146-147). He had just said that appearance is all and now chastises women for changing it. He is bouncing back and forth between supporting acting and denouncing it. In the next scene, the conflicting action is similar, but less obvious. When Hamlet is advising the player on how his lines should be read he says, 'Suit the action to the word, the word to the action" (3.2.17-18). If Hamlet would follow his own advice, he would not have a conflict. This shows that he is not consistent within himself. Hamlet is saying that one should not distinguish between word and actions, but he does maintain this separation. Yet, when Hamlet speaks with Horatio he praises him for being objective, levelheaded, and for having a consistent character. He is praising Horatio for being true to himself, not being an actor. Hamlet says, "Give me that man That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee" (3.2.69-72). Hamlet is saying this because he wants Horatio to watch the King at the play. He is unsure of his uncle's guilt, and he wants proof. He wants it from someone who he thinks is honest throughout. It comes back to acting and vengeance or, in this case, he has failed in his vengeance and needs Horatio to agree with him. Hamlet says to Horatio, "Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt Do not itself unkernnel in one speech, It is a dammed ghost we have seen" (3.2.77-80). Proof, however, does not have anything to do with the role Hamlet is supposed to play, but there is more to it than that. The interesting thing is that his uncle will be judged by how he acts during the play. If the King is a good actor, and does not show his guilt, he will most likely not be killed. However, the King is not a good actor and when he rises, Hamlet responds with, "What, frieghted with false fire?"(3.2.254). It's as if Hamlet is saying 'it's only a play, it is not real.' He does say something to this effe...
