Act III shows the increasing manifestation of Hamlets artificial madness. of course he was showing signs of madness in act II but in act three there is more evidence for the madness.
This act is also home to the famous soliloquy commencing 'to be or not to be'.
The tragedy that swallows this act comes from various characters, yet the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet is slowly disintegrating, and it is hugely visible to the audience. He tells her he loves her and also tells her that he never loved her. Hamlet plays with her heart and toys with her emotions, this does indeed make one wonder whether or not Hamlet is a good man, and whether he doing his father justice, as he still has not slain Claudius.
And of course this act is the home of Claudius's death, the mistaken accidental death that Hamlet does not seem to regret as he says he is an intruding fool and bids him farewell.
Also act III contains the controversial play that Hamlet has staged to expose Claudius as the Charlatan he is.
Joe
So this is a good part of the play to analyse in your essay. These are useful comments.
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