The ambiguous nature of Hamlet In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the protagonist exhibits an enigmatic and ambiguous nature. Hamlet contradicts himself throughout the play. It advocates both the virtues of playing a role and being true to oneself. He also supports both of these conflicting endorsements with his actions. This ambiguity is demonstrated by his supposed madness, as he acts insanely, only to become perfectly calm and rational an instant later. These inconsistencies are related to the internal dilemmas he faces. He struggles with the question of avenging his father's death, vowing to kill Claudius and then backing out, several times. At this point Hamlet stammers throughout the play. The reason for this wavering is directly related to his inability to form a solid opinion on role-playing. This difficulty, however, is not present at the beginning of the work. In the first act, Hamlet seems to be very direct in his actions and his internal state. When questioned by Gertrude about his melancholy appearance, Hamlet says, "It seems, madam? No, it is. I don't know 'it seems.' (1.2.76). This is to say, 'I am what I seem to be.' Later in the Act I, Hamlet makes a clear statement about his state when he pledges to take revenge. In this statement the play is easy to follow. This change is that Hamlet gives up the role of student and says in mourning: "I will erase all trivial memories and fond, all the saws of books, all the forms, all the pressures of the past, that youth and observation copied there". And thy commandment alone shall live in the book and volume of my brain (1.5.99-103). Hamlet he declares that he will not be engaged in anything other than avenging his father's death. There is no confusion about Hamlet's character. He has previously said that he is what he appears to be, and there is no reason to doubt it. Next act, however, Hamlet's status and intentions suddenly, and for no demonstrated reason, become confused. When Hamlet appears again. in the second act he seems to have lost the conviction that was present before. He has yet to take on the part assigned to him by the ghost. He spends the act walking, reading, talking with Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern and the actors. It is only at the end of the act that he mentions revenge.