Prince Fortinbras, The Danish Court and The Danish People.
As close friend of Hamlet I wish to write an account of the deaths that occurred in and around the Danish Royal Family. I will bring forth the truth concerning Hamlets apparent madness in order to clear his name of any slander. The guilty party is none other than the deceitful King Claudius, and Hamlet can no longer be held accountable for these actions.
The appearance of the ghost of late King Hamlet brought prince Hamlet out of his state of mourning and into a quest for revenge. The ghost told his son "the serpent that did sting my fathers life now wears his crown" branding Claudius to be his murderer. It was this revenge which inspired Hamlet to "put on an antic disposition" in order to reveal Claudius's murderous plot. On King Claudius's wishes, Rozencrantz and Guildenstern were invited to Elsinore to discover what ailed Hamlet. Hamlet however saw through their trickery and said to them, "I am but mad north, north west when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.".
Hamlet confided in me about his decision to entrap Claudius into admitting guilt with the production of "The murder of Gonzago". I was told to watch the Kings reaction and if he were to show his guilt then it would be proof enough for Hamlet to justify his revenge. "The play's the thing wherein I"ll catch the conscience of the King." Claudius leaving the play early gave Hamlet more proof that he was guilty of his actions, giving him more of an incentive to get his vengeance.
Following the play, Hamlet went to see his mother in her bedroom, who was disappointed in his recent behavior. "Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended." (94) After a brief discussion Hamlet became agitated, uncovering Polonius out of hiding behind the arras. Believing it was the King, Hamlet rose to the opportunity and did slay the eavesdropper behind the curtain. The killing of Polonius was due to the fact that Hamlet thought it was Claudius.
