What is hamlet saying in the passage below this indeed seem for they are actions for a man might play but you have that wihin wchich passeth show this but the trapping and the suits of woe?

Answer 1

From Hamlet Act 1, Scene 2, Page 4:

These indeed "seem,"

For they are actions that a man might play.

But I have that within which passeth show,

These but the trappings and the suits of woe.

The correct answer is: He's saying that outward appearances of grief may be feigned, but that what he feels is real grief.

Answer 2

In Act I, scene 2, Hamlet's mother Gertrude criticizes his mood as excessive mourning, but he responds by saying that what "seems" to be his outward melancholy is surpassed by his stronger inner feelings. These feelings are impossible for him to adequately express.

Answer 3

Hamlet is commenting on the difference between appearance and reality, one of the most pervasive themes in all of Shakespeare. He is reacting to his mother's question, "Why seems it so particular with you?" and he responds "Seems, madam? Nay, it is." He is saying that his mood is reality, not appearance. Any actor could pretend to be mourning by taking on the trappings of mourning; they are actions which a man might play (i.e. act). But, he insists, his grief is real, not put on, and the reality "surpasseth" the mere appearance.

Answer 4

hes saying that outward apperances of grief may be feinged, but that what he feels is real grief.