Hamlet tells his companions he is likely to put on an "antic disposition" in order to gain their trust and respect. That way he has people who he can confide in without worrying whether or not they believe a word he says due to his "antic disposition". Moreover, Hamlet remains somewhat sane because he has companions whom he can be himself around.
Hamlet's behavior is a deliberate strategy because his true motive is to expose Claudius as a murderer and he can only do that if Claudius believes that Hamlet is so stricken from grief he's gone mad and can't possibly conceive a plan for revenge.
Hamlet's response, "...for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so," demonstrates how actions have no meaning until moral beliefs come into play. I agree with what he says because it's our opinion that determines whether or not something we do is moral or immoral.
Hamlet's next quote, "I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw" refers to how he is only somewhat mad. If north symbolizes a straight path (being normal) then Hamlet being north-west means he sometimes veers off of the path (demonstrating his moderately crazed demeanor). The "wind is southerly" statement suggests that Hamlet will sometimes go in the opposite direction of the path or that he is opposing the norms of society. His madness is purely an act because a true insane person wouldn't realize or admit that he is insane. Hamlet is saying all of this just to get a reaction and to follow through with his overall plan.
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