Is Prince Hamlet Mad
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet", the main character, Hamlet offers a puzzling and ambiguous persona. Throughout the play, Hamlet often contradicts himself. He seems to balance the virtues of to say playing a role, with being true to himself. Further proof of these conflicting personas are demonstrated by his actions and inactions. The ambiguity noted here, lies in two conflicting mannerisms displayed by the young Hamlet: One that is perfectly calm and rational; and another which displays a crud madness. These conflicting behaviors are related within Hamlet's internal struggle-to kill Claudius for revenge of his fathers' murder; or act responsibly, and await further proof of Claudius' guilt. Throughout the play, Hamlet teeters on the brink of insanity induced by his actions, or inactions.Hamlet's sanity is clarified, in the first act, by statements and feelings expressed within his dialogue. When asked about his depressed appearance and demeanor by Gertrude, Hamlet replies, "Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not "seems" (Act 1, Scene 2, line 79). This relates the idea that Hamlet is 'what he appears to be'. Later, he clearly makes a statement about his mental health when he commits himself to avenge his father's murder. This quote a
Hamlet enters this match, but more importantly, accepts the role of his destiny-to kill Claudius, and avenge the death of his father. Thus, Hamlet is stating that the inner and outer self cannot be linked, yet acting or role playing, transforms ones inner self to match the exterior show. Hamlet is caught in his inner turmoil of acting out his role, and objectivity. I say we will have no more marriages. In act two, Hamlet is again prompted towards vengeance-this time by a poignant speech delivered by one of the players. In act two, Hamlet appears again, although it now becomes apparent he has lost the conviction he demonstrated earlier-to complete his destiny as prescribed by the ghost of his father. Upon his confrontation with Laertes, he says, "This is I, Hamlet the Dane" (Act 5, Scene 1, line 271). He has been-throughout the first two-thirds of this play-ambiguous and untrue to himself. Polonius was unable to adhere to his role of adviser, and attempted to convince Claudius that Hamlet was enamored with his daughter. Had Hamlet truly loved Ophelia, he would not have treated her so harshly. If his occulted guilt Do not itself unkernnel on one speech, It is a damned ghost we have seen" (Act 3, Scene 2, line 72). In this instance, Hamlet is stating that behavior shapes reality. Those that are married already-all but one-shall live" (Act 3, Scene 1, line 144). Yet, Claudius is a poor actor, and when he rises during the play Hamlet reacts with,"What, frighted with false fire?" (1094, line 245).
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