e, the same woman who had instilleda great sense of religion in Hamlet, contradicts such a value that consequently proves "Something isrotten in the state of Denmark." (Marcellus Act I sc.iv) While regarding this as the principal meansfor Hamlet's frustration, it is not until seeing a spirit of patriarchal form that Hamlet decided to seekthe truth, and ultimately, exact revenge. Upon envisioning the apparition, Hamlet sets out to avengethe death of his father, yet he is unclear as to the actual fulfillment of the revenge. Thus, Hamletacknowledges that as a man of duty, justice, and honour, he must act upon the request of his latefather. The concept of "antic disposition" is the feigned madness that Hamlet uses as his first step toward therevenge. Here, we have a clear indication that Hamlet was a thinker, and bore a calculating intellect.It is this very intellect that critics question in Hamlet's status as a hero, simply because it reinforcedthe theory that Hamlet embodied a critical and tragic flaw within his nature. At no time was any doubt of Claudius' guilt ever discussed between Hamlet and the Ghost withrelation to King Hamlet's death. Young Hamlet was quick to accept these charges as truth; with thetruth being accepted merely as a directive. Yet, at the time Hamlet knew his course, but had theoption to seek it out on his own terms. "The time is out of joint. O cursed spite,That ever I was born to set it right!" (Hamlet Act I sc.v)Remaining consistent with his righteous characteristic as a hero in a Shakespearean tragedy, Hamletreckons that the murder of Claudius can only be justified if it is done at the right moment. This isimportant to consider since Hamlet is heir to the throne that Cl...
