Mischief

Act III Scene ii exposes Hamlet’s decision to confront Claudius in terms of his father’s assassination through a play which exposes such treason in a comical way. After the first scene, Ophelia asks Hamlet “What means this, my lord? / [. . .] It means mischief” (Act III, Scene ii). I find it interesting how the complex character observed in the first scene becomes so simplistic, so reserved in his decisions, in his responses to such questions.

The conversation between Ophelia and Hamlet may generate questioning around the subject of mischief, defined as the “playfulness that is intended to tease, mock, or create trouble” by Oxford dictionaries. Following this line of thought, Hamlet reflects on his own actions, as deciding to create trouble through the presentation of this play. Shakespeare is creating a situation of laughter within a tragedy, a situation that serves as a break for the troubled reader, the individual who has seen Hamlet develop strength to act upon what he thinks is the correct thing to do.

David Tennant’s version of this scene exposes a playful Hamlet, an individual who is making the best out of this difficult situation, looking for answers in his taping of Claudius’ reactions. I like this modern-version appreciation seen in the idea of having Hamlet record his uncle’s reactions, as it exposes the true mischief in his actions, the steps he is taking towards revenge and the necessity to employ all the available resources in his enterprise. Mischief becomes the central actor in this scene, as we are immersed in the play within the play, with all of its splendor and revenge.