Is Hamlet Mad?
"I will be brief. Your noble son is mad," states Polonius (II, ii,91) . Ophelia exclaims, "O what a noble mind is here o'erthrown!"(III, i, 153). "Alas, he's mad," concludes Gertrude (III, iv,106). Claudius even instructs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to escortHamlet to England because "it [is not] safe with us/To let his madnessrange" (III, iii, 1-2). Essentially, each supporting characterquestions Hamlet's sanity, and most conclude he is indeed mad.General consensus can justify almost all actions in most societies.As for sanity, if authorities believe you are insane then you "are"insane; your personal commentary is often not heeded and is dismissed.Hamlet's environment proves no different. The possibility that Hamletfeigns madness for purpose never enters most characters' minds, and toClaudius (the King and figurehead against Hamlet), purpose isirrelevant. Hamlet poses a viable threat to Claudius' throne whethersane or insane, and Hamlet's supposed insanity provides justificationfor detrimental action. As long as evidence supports Hamlet'spsychosis then Claudius can rid himself of Hamlet and rule Denmark ashe pleases. Hamlet's actions and speech on numerous occasions can
Although Marcellus, Bernardo, and Horatio all witness King Hamlet'sghost, only Hamlet hears it speak. Hamlet's apparel is asunexplainable as the actions he performs in them. "Hamlet's illogical speech persists in conversations with othercharacters as well. In contiguouslines Hamlet declares "I did love [thee] once," then exclaims "I lovedyou not," and finally instructs Ophelia to "get thee to a nunnery"(III, I, 115-121). Hamlet's clothes afterthe first scene are unkempt, and he appears disheveled. Then, Hamlet will not reveal where he hides Polonius' body. Inthe scene following the ghost's entrance, Hamlet's speech towardsHoratio and guards is evasive as his mood swings erratically. Hamlet wrestles withLaertes in Ophelia's open grave, a completely inappropriate andpossibly condescending act. She insists, "allthat is I see" (III, iv,132). However, later in the play Hamlet questions thevalidity of the apparition after assuming its sincerity initially. Hamlet also jumps onto a pirate shipalone, without anyone to back him up, without any assurance ofsurvival. Finally, Hamlet stabs blindly through a curtain, killing Polonius.
Common topics in this essay:
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Acceptance Essays
