But I have that within which passeth show; / These but the trappings and the suits of woe.
Act I, Scene 2 · Hamlet
Context
Concluding his response to Gertrude, Hamlet contrasts his genuine inner grief with the external mourning clothes and gestures others can see.
Analysis
The verb 'passeth' positions Hamlet's interior state as something that exceeds and therefore escapes representation—grief exists beyond what can be shown. 'Trappings' reduces all visible mourning to costume, a word choice that dismisses not just his own black clothing but the entire court's performative displays of sorrow.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that Hamlet establishes a hierarchy where inward truth ranks above outward performance—a logic that will later make him suspicious of any behavior (including his own) that might be 'played.'