The Inner Hamlet"Hamlet is the inner person of all humanity" as stated by the actor Alan Bates. What did Mr. Bates mean by this? It could refer to the love, corruption, revenge, or madness shown by Hamlet; or was referring to more than we know. What did Shakespeare know about the depths of man and the inner battle to write a play that would captivate every generation to come thereafter? What would we learn if we analyzed Hamlet? Shakespeare decided to set the corruption in Elsinor, a royal castle in medieval Denmark. Before the first act Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude is King Hamlet's widow. When this tragedy begins, we are introduced to Marcello, Bernardo and Francesco who guard the castle at night. While they were on guard an apparition of King Hamlet appeared to them and then they realized something was wrong, the question is what they should do. Soon after, Hamlet's best friend Horatio learns of the apparition and decides to inform Hamlet. Once Hamlet learns of his father's return, he immediately insists on going on guard duty to witness his father's appearance. The next night Hamlet's father appears and orders Hamlet to avenge his death. Is this where corruption could take hold? Perhaps Mr. Bates was thinking of this scene when he made his statement. Hamlet's father tells him what corruption has taken place behind the walls of Elsinor. He tells Hamlet about his uncles' anger and what it led him to do. He tells Hamlet about the serpent that stung him. He tells Hamlet that the serpent is called Claudius. Hamlet's composure, wit, and strength would now be tested to their limits. With one wrong slip of the tongue, one wrong hateful look, Hamlet would have gone straight to his death. What could Hamlet do, what will he do? An intelligent spirit and common sense are his only hope to avenge his father's death. Hamlet therefore lives in madness and with that madness he hopes to force Claudius to confess his sin. Through the second act the plot thickens as Hamlet's mind begins to ponder the possibilities of confession from the king. His love for Ophelia is also strongly noticed by everyone. The nobilities of Elsinor also notice the love she shows and begin to realize the possibility that Ophelia's love for Hamlet could benefit them both..