ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Hamlet directs these lines to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. His words imply that, just as the wind only occasionally blows from the north-north-west, so too is he only occasionally struck by madness. These words also contain a warning.

Detailed explanation-2: -Hamlet is warning Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he is much more often sane than mad. “North-north-west” is the point of the compass halfway between NW and N. It is only one of thirty-two major compass directions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Quote by William Shakespeare: “I am but mad north-north-west.

Detailed explanation-4: -Answers 1. Hamlet wishes to point out that there is method and cunning behind his “madness.” THe imagery involves bad weather and hunting birds. Beyond the chaos, Hamlet is saying that he knows a hunting hawk from a hunted “handsaw” or heron. Hamlet means that he is able to distinguish his enemies and friends.

Detailed explanation-5: -Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 1. Gertrude in response to Claudius who asks how is Hamlet. She says that her son is quite mad after the killing of Polonius. But Hamlet has already told her that he is not mad, but is pretending to be, and asked her not to reveal this to Claudius.