My tables. Meet it is I set it down that one may smile, and smile, and be a villain

My tables. Meet it is I set it down that one may smile, and smile, and be a villain

The quote “My tables. Meet it is I set it down that one may smile, and smile, and be a villain” is from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. This line is spoken by the character Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5. In this scene, Hamlet is visited by the ghost of his father, who reveals to him that he was murdered by his own brother, who is now the king. Hamlet is shocked and outraged by this revelation and vows to avenge his father’s death.

The quote itself refers to Hamlet’s plan to feign madness in order to gather information and ultimately seek revenge on his uncle, the new king. Hamlet decides to write down his thoughts and observations in a notebook, or “tables,” as a way to keep track of his plan and ensure that he does not forget anything. He acknowledges that by pretending to be mad and smiling at those around him, he will be able to deceive them and ultimately achieve his goal of exposing his uncle’s treachery.

The use of the word “villain” in this quote is significant, as it reflects Hamlet’s growing distrust and suspicion of those around him. He recognizes that not everyone is as they seem, and that even those who appear friendly and kind may have ulterior motives. By setting down his thoughts in writing, Hamlet is able to protect himself and ensure that he does not fall victim to the deceit and betrayal that surrounds him.

Overall, this quote highlights the theme of deception and betrayal that runs throughout Hamlet. It shows the lengths to which Hamlet is willing to go in order to achieve his goal of avenging his father’s death, and the sacrifices he is willing to make in order to uncover the truth. It also serves as a reminder of the dangers of trusting blindly and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of adversity.