Hamlet in Act 2

Throughout Act 2, the reader discovers Hamlet's intellectual and impressive diction. His depression leads him to create a clever plan to reveal that his uncle murdered his father. Although Polonius believes Hamlet's mental illness is solely because of Ophelia's rejection, Hamlet plays along to get what he wants in return. Hamlet realizes that he needs to collect himself and fast in order for his plan to be successful. In the beginning of the act, the reader also discovers Hamlet's ability to uncover idiocy and deception. His friends attempted to make it seem that they were just visiting Hamlet, when in fact they were following Claudius's orders. Hamlet is too keen to believe this foolishness and reveals that he knows the truth before his friends even have the time to make up for their awkward, suspicious pauses.