Subjects:
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 escort
Hamlet to England because "it [is not] safe with us/To let his madness
range" (III, iii, 1-2). Essentially, each supporting character
questions 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 Hamlet
feigns madness for purpose never enters most characters' minds, and to
Claudius (the King and figurehead against Hamlet), purpose is
irrelevant. Hamlet poses a viable threat to Claudius' throne whether
sane or insane, and Hamlet's supposed insanity provides justification
for detrimental action. As long as evidence supports Hamlet's
psychosis then Claudius can rid himself of Hamlet and rule Denmark as
he pleases. Hamlet's actions and speech on numerous occasions can
. . .
Although Marcellus, Bernardo, and Horatio all witness King Hamlet's
ghost, only Hamlet hears it speak. Hamlet's apparel is as
unexplainable as the actions he performs in them. "
Hamlet's illogical speech persists in conversations with other
characters as well. In contiguous
lines Hamlet declares "I did love [thee] once," then exclaims "I loved
you not," and finally instructs Ophelia to "get thee to a nunnery"
(III, I, 115-121). Hamlet's clothes after
the first scene are unkempt, and he appears disheveled.
Then, Hamlet will not reveal where he hides Polonius' body. In
the scene following the ghost's entrance, Hamlet's speech towards
Horatio and guards is evasive as his mood swings erratically. Hamlet wrestles with
Laertes in Ophelia's open grave, a completely inappropriate and
possibly condescending act. She insists, "all
that is I see" (III, iv,132). However, later in the play Hamlet questions the
validity of the apparition after assuming its sincerity initially. Hamlet also jumps onto a pirate ship
alone, without anyone to back him up, without any assurance of
survival.
Finally, Hamlet stabs blindly through a curtain, killing Polonius.
Essay's Topics
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