The play is rising in action, sounding the typical Shakespearean second act. Also the theme of acting is coming about, leading to madness in Hamlet’s case and possible betrayal in Fortinbras’ case.
One theme expressed is pretending and madness, all at the same time. Hamlet says he is only crazy at certain times. Some examples of how wrong Hamlet is:
I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw
What a fine job he is doing. It’s almost as if the things he plans on doing and the things he says make him INSANE!!! His intentions are to have the time of his life with Ophelia, to avenge a ghost and kill the king of Denmark, and to find no enjoyment in talking to people. Hamlet cannot flip the switch like he claims. He has to be pretending to be sane, because his intentions and conversations are insane.
Polonius: My lord, I have news to tell you. Hamlet: My lord, I have news to tell you: when Roscius was an actor in Rome. (64)
Very rude for somebody to say, and honestly he is thinking in very weird ways. Hamlet is clearly mocking Polonius, and as Polonius continues to speak Hamlet continues to make fun of him. His insanity is there throughout that conversation.
How about another pretender, Fortinbras!!! I’m not sure how it will unfold, but pause for a second. Imagine, you’re a young and ambitious Prince. Your father (the old king) died, and you want to avenge him by taking old lands stolen in his time. Of course this is crazy to the present king (uncle), and so diplomacy rules the day. But, a great opportunity lies in using your army. The king wants to invade Poland (make use of the grand army). Shakespeare made it so that Poland borders Denmark. However, you need boats to get from Norway to Denmark. Poland borders at least a bit of coast, so wouldn’t it make more sense to go by boat to Poland. Just a hunch, but the king of Denmark should be VERY WORRIED ABOUTBETRAYAL!!! Shakespeare really enjoys making baffling fools, and this is a great example. Pretend to invade Poland, but really invade your arch-nemesis Denmark.
One of my favorite lines is “I am but mad…hawk from a handsaw” so I was pleased to see it jumped out to you as well. You are very astute about the geography! Bet you can make an accurate prediction about Fortinbras…