Shakespeare shows how perceived behavior can lead others to draw incorrect conclusions about the character of others. In the case of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are led by the king and queen to believe that Hamlet has lost his mind due to his grief. Making assumptions about those stricken with grief or driven to madness reveals how some people like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern can be misled by weak observations, generalizations, and stereotypes. Relying on generalizations and stereotypes denies an individual the ability to analyze information by examining the facts. Shakespeare further validates this universal truth that stereotypes can prevent accurate assessments of human nature after Claudius announces that he is king. Hamlet announces that his uncle Claudius “wakes up all night singing and dancing”( ) Hamlet, hearing this commotion, says “other countries call us drunkards and insult our noble titles, our drunkenness diminishes our reputation, making us bad people ”(1.4.8-34). In this speech, Hamlet reveals that even countries can be affected by faulty assumptions. Throughout the play Hamlet, Shakespeare shows that it is human nature to make incorrect assumptions when ideas are supported only by stereotypes and unjustified conclusions. Like a person who smiles