Hamlet's Response to Peter Seng's Criticism #16

It is so sad to see what has happened to Ophelia. She was the love of my life, but now she has transformed into a deranged lady singing songs all day long. Who has done this to you Ophelia? A man by the name of Peter Seng dare say that I was the cause of you madness. He said that "For Ophelia, as for Hamlet, Denmark has become a prison, and she is all alone at Elsinore."(Seng 218). But Ophelia was not alone you see. My love for her must have kept her hope for I have shown a great deal of love towards her. I have even written a letter for you in which I explicitly stated,"Doubt thou the stars are fire;  / Doubt that the sun doth move;  / Doubt truth to be a liar;  / But never doubt I love.  / I love thee best, O most best, believe it."(2.2.122-126).

But one thing is for sure Ophelia, in regards to your father's death, he had received what he had deserved for he is a very treacherous man. Seng says, "Her father has been killed-by her mad lover as she believes."(Seng 218). That fact is true Ophelia, but that is not the whole truth, not at all. As I was talking to my weak mother about not continuing her sins, I saw a rat behind the curtains, listening to our conversation. I had no idea who it was for I even exclaimed,"How now, a rat? Dead for a ducat, dead!" at the moment I killed him.(3.4.24). However once I removed the curtain, only then did I see who it was. However, he deserved this fate for he was a "wretched, rash, intruding fool."(3.4.32). Let me tell you one thing Ophelia, I did not purposely try to kill your father so do not believe that I have a major problem with your family. However, he still deserved it.

There is only one thing that I do agree with Seng and that is the role that Polonius and Laertes have played in eventually degrading your perspective of me. I am a virtuous and honorable man, Ophelia, while your father is not. Your father must have told you "Do you believe in his tenders as you call them?"(1.3.103). He planted a seed of suspicion in your mind which may have developed with my act of madness, but you have to realize Ophelia that I am the one that loves you. Seng summarizes what your treacherous brother and father have done to me when he says, "His remarks bear the same implications as his son's: No one is to be trusted or taken at face value"(Seng 220). But do you know what the true tragedy in your situation is Ophelia. Polonius and Laertes have been feeding you ideas about how my affection for you is a lie, but they are the true liars for I love you greatly Ophelia. Your madness can not be justly attached to me, but it can be attached to you brother and father.