Hamlet as AntiheroBy literary definition, an antihero is the "hero" of the play or novel, but has negative attributes that separate him from the classical hero such as Superman . Such negative aspects may include a violent nature, the use of foul language, or selfish interests that may inadvertently portray the protagonist as a hero since the result of serving such interests could be the betterment of society or the environment. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the protagonist, Hamlet, is depicted as an anti-hero. One factor that contributes to Hamlet's antihero status is that he attracts sympathy, as well as admiration, from the reader as Hamlet feels the pain of losing his father along with the burdens and obstacles of avenging his murder. The fourth act places special emphasis on Hamlet's intelligence. In the second scene, Hamlet is very insolent and rude towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with lines like: "That I can follow your advice and not my own. Besides, to be demanded by a sponge, what reply should be made by the son of a king" (IV, ii, 12-14)? Does the reference to the sponge reflect the fact that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern easily receive orders from the king and do not have a mind of their own Hamlet's mortal enemy. The reader doesn't even like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, which leads him to take Hamlet's side. Another episode of Hamlet's high intelligence is shown when Hamlette says to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, “I am glad of it: a. knave sleeps in a foolish ear" (IV, i, 24-25). This statement leaves Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more or less confused. Hamlet is clearly more intelligent than the two of them combined and is able to play with them. Hamlet has an excellent command of language and because of this he can use words to the point that those around him will not understand and may label him mad. Hamlet shows another example of his intelligence, this time towards Claudius, when he says, "I see a cherub that sees them. But come; for England! Farewell, dear mother" (IV, iii, 49-50). The cherub, or angel, gives Hamlet a sense of superiority over Claudius. Having an angel by your side would be a clear sign of power, which is exactly what Hamlet tries to keep over Claudius in their constant power struggle..