King Claudius outrages about Hamlet being in love with Ophelia. He believes his nephew does not think about affection and love. In fact, everyone has been calling Hamlet mad but Claudius mentions that his words “[were] not like madness” (3.1.167) proving that Hamlet may not be mad but just melancholy about his father’s death and the royal remarriage of his mother. A deeper understanding of what the characters thought of Hamlet reveals initially that Hamlet does not appear crazy and that his words are disorganized but not insane. Claudius fears Hamlet is dangerous enough to cause destruction so he decides Hamlet will “speed to England’ (3.1.170) in order to prevent any harm. This portrays a huge character reveal, indicating Claudius is fearful
