Hamlet is a Fuckin' Psycho

William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Hamlet, is full of many timeless themes, issues, as well as problems which resurface frequently throughout its duration. In this play the main protagonist, Hamlet, feigns insanity in order to cover his inner devious and vengeful intentions. His act, albeit convincing (and teetering on the verge of not actually being an "act"), leaves the reader wondering, "Hey! Is Hamlet just pretending, or his he really crazy?" Like a good author, Shakespeare leaves Hamlet's mental condition up to interpretation by the reader, creating an outlet for some fascinating "dinner table" discussions. While pondering the ins and outs of this concept, one must be open to abstract ideas. Consider this: Hamlet's insanity act drives him insane. Rather than being one or the other, one leads to the other.

There is historical proof that William Shakespeare based his rendition of Hamlet on a classic, traditional, Norse saga. In this original narrative, a story unfolds where a king is killed by his brother, who then marries the dead king's widow. A young prince must pretend to be mad in order to save his own life, all the while avoiding traps laid by his wicked, incestuous uncle. Eventually, the you

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He may have once loved Ophelia, but that love was soon overtaken by madness. It is not madness that I have uttered. If he loved her so much, what measure of sanity could warrant the abuse that he dished out.

Then goes he to the length of all his arm,

And, with his other hand thus o'er his brow,

He falls to such perusal of my face

As he would draw it. What started out as a diverision manifested itself as a true problem once the act was taken too far. When Hamlet is given a last ditch effort to prove his sanity to his mother, one of the few whom he truly cares for and holds in high regard, his actions do nothing but further his case of insanity. "My pulse as yours doth temperately keep time and makes as healthful music.

In cases of the clinically insane, trouble with daily activities, family responsibilities, and relationships are all frequently exhibited (Kramlinger 1). ng prince revenges his father by killing this uncle (Neill 310). Mental illnesses can be genetic as well as triggered by events and/or your enviroment (Kramlinger 1).

Approximate Word count = 1028
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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