Hamlet

Shakespeare's tragic hero, Hamlet, and his sanity can arguably be discussed. Many portions of the play supports his loss of control in his actions, while other parts uphold his ability of dramatic art. The issue can be discussed both ways and altogether provide significant support to either theory. There are indications from Hamlet throughout the play of his mind's well being.

Hamlet's antic disposition may have caused him in certain times that he is in a roleplay.

Hamlet has mood swings as his mood changes abruptly throughout the play. Hamlet appears to act mad when he hears of his father's murder. At the time he speaks wild and whirling words:Why, right; you are I' the right; And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part... [Act I, scene V, lines 127-134]. It seems as if there are two Hamlets in the play, one that is sensitive and an ideal prince, and the insane barbaric Hamlet who from an outburst of passion and rage slays Polonius with no feeling of remorse, Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell! / I took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune;/ Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger.- [Act III. scene IV, lines 31-33] and then talks about lugging his

. . .

View the whole essay, without interruption

He is sorry for it has no great compassion towards Polonius, for he already has enough grief over his father's death. But, indeed, if you find him not within this month, you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby. Every other time the ghost appeared someone else has seen it. [Act II, scene II, line 206]

Hamlet tells his mother That I essentially am not in madness,/ But mad in craft. [Act IV, scene III, lines 20-21]

If your messenger find him not there, seek him I' th' other place yourself. During this scene he finally shows his madness, because his mother does not see the ghost. Hamlet's madness is only apparent when he is in the presence of certain characters. When Hamlet in the presence of Horatio, Bernado, Francisco, The Players, and Gravediggers, his actions are sensible. Instead he assumes his ironic matter which others take it as madness. His cold act of Polonius' murder is out of rage and furious temper. After Hamlet kills Polonius he will not tell anyone where the body is. Polonius admits that Hamlet's actions and words have a method to them; there appears to be a reason behind them, they are logical in nature.

[Act IV, scene iii, lines 33-36].

Hamlet, a tragic hero, meets his tragic end not because he was sane or insane.

Approximate Word count = 910
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.