4:2 hamlet

Like Mr. Burge always tells us, Hamlet is a very enigmatic character. Though not all of his lines have multiple meanings, Hamlet's first four lines reflect his ambiguosity. These lines are found in Act I, Scene II, relaying a conversation between Hamlet and the king and queen. 

"A little more than kin, and less than kind." 

This seems simple enough on the surface, but upon deeper analysis this line has many different meanings. On a basic level, Hamlet implies that he doesn't like the new king.  This also means Claudius now has a closer relationship to Hamlet and is not very nice. Another component is that Claudius is now more "kin" than Hamlet can handle, as Claudius is now "uncle dad". 

"Not so, my lord; I am too much i' the sun." 

There is ambiguosity with the word "sun," as the sun sheds light, and it sounds like "son," which Hamlet is now the son of Claudius. When one is on the sun, they might be described as enlightened, which Hamlet could describe Hamlet. He knows what is going on between his mother and Claudius, which is hurting him (too much in the sun). Hamlet is also implying that he is getting too much attention, when he would rather be alone. Likewise, he wishes to mourn his father and be "gloomy" than bright, cheery, and celebrating. 

"At, madam, it is common." 

Hamlet is agreeing that mourning the loss of a loved one is common, but also implying that his mother is on the same level as commoners, and lowly. 

"Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not 'seems'." 

Hamlet has a bit of sass in replying to his mother, calling her out for not mourning her late husband. Hamlet says he is not pretending to be sad, but actually is grieving his father's death.