In short, Hamlet is a self-centred, entitled, manipulative, callous bully. However, he is also intensely charismatic, so much so that he has persuaded the world to share his...

Turning away from the framework of ethical debate, Shakespeare used Saxo’s story of Hamlet’s pretended madness and delayed revenge to explore the brutal facts about survival in an authoritarian state.

Consequently, the prince is perceived as a danger to himself and others. Claudius and Gertrude are so afraid of him, that they send a messenger to talk to him instead of discussing the matter face to face. Hamlet is eventually banished – which symbolizes his social alienation.

Why is Hamlet so cruel to Ophelia? Hamlet is cruel to Ophelia because he has transferred his anger at Gertrude’s marriage to Claudius onto Ophelia. In fact, Hamlet’s words suggest that he transfers his rage and disgust for his mother onto all women.

1) Hamlet's madness is an act of deception, concocted to draw attention away from his suspicious activities as he tries to gather evidence against Claudius. He reveals to Horatio his deceitful plan to feign insanity in 1.5: So grace and mercy at your most need help you.