The Performative Utterance in Hamlet

Here are my notes from reading Performative Utterance in Hamlet by Fredrik deBoer

• Hamlet is trapped in a cognitive paralysis due to not figuring out what is real and what is not.
• Certain language cannot describe action but can describe from being spoken.
• Three forces of performative ability of language
• the locutionary force- the ability of language to deliver a message, the force of mutual intelligibility
• the illocutionary force-what is done in being said, such as denying a request
• the perlocutionary force- what is achieved by being said
• The performative utterances in Hamlet is based on what the performative language tells us about its characters.
• Is there some "real self" revealed through self-overhearing?
• "It might be said that a man incapable of realizing the power of his own agency, but fully capable of using the spoken word, could come to learn of his agency by realizing that his speech has power to create actual change in the world."
• Characters of Shakespearean literature must present their inner selves/thoughts through speeches, soliloquies, etc.
• "the illocutionary force of having sworn has compelled him to that action"
• "Hamlet's self-loathing stems from his falling in to language and not into action."
• "The central problem of the play is that people represent their feelings and thier intentions in ways that are contrary to reality."
• "While in this context Hamlet is speaking specifically of actual, stage-bound drama, it is reasonable ot assume that he would apply his vision of convincing acting to his own performance as a man gone mad."
• "Madness is defined, generally, by precisely the kind of exaggerated or hysterical actions and movements that Hamlet associates with poor acting."
• "Hamlet's fictionalization of this structure permits him the space to engage in a favorite activity, verbal play, and in doing so his belief in the power of language can only be reinforced, as mentioned."
• Polonius symbolizes the premodern man.
• Hamlet symbolizes the modern
• Hamlet realizes that is own identity is a construct.
•  rules to comply with for utterance of being happy
• There must be an agreement that will be effective
• The circumstances must be appropriate for the agreement
• The agreement must involve all participants to render active
• Agreement is designed to cover all aspects of conflict
• The participants must complete the agreement
• What does Claudius' prayer show? 
• Claudius act of repent comes from a lack of agency.
• Hamlet uses performative power to realize his self.
• "Self-acualization and performance and agency become all one"