Final answer:
Hamlet's state of mind before fencing with Laertes is clouded and troubled. He becomes more introspective and disillusioned over the course of the play, grappling with complex emotions and a sense of duty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before fencing with Laertes, Hamlet's state of mind is clouded and troubled. He is grappling with the reality of seeing his father's ghost and is convinced of its authenticity, despite Polonius dismissing it as a figment of his imagination. Hamlet is filled with a mixture of emotions, including anger, grief, and a sense of duty to avenge his father's death.
Throughout the play, Hamlet undergoes a transformation. He becomes more introspective and contemplative, often seen pondering the complexities of life, morality, and his own purpose. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the world around him, viewing it as corrupt and deceitful.
Hamlet's state of mind is further affected by his strained relationship with his mother, Gertrude, and his unrequited love for Ophelia. These emotional burdens, coupled with his sense of duty to avenge his father, contribute to his changed state of mind.