Madness in Hamlet

In the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare, the theme of madness is presented many times. Whether the reason for madness is selfishness, sorrow, or “method,” the result is always death. Clearly, Claudius, Ophelia, and Hamlet are three prime examples of humans who let their emotions overpower them. Obviously, there is reason for each case; however, each differs in its own unique way.

Claudius allows his selfishness to reign over him leading to madness. Although his madness lasts for a short period of time, it unfortunately leads to death. Claudius is a very greedy, evil person. He is very much in love with Gertrude, the late King Hamlet’s wife. As Claudius longs to be with Gertrude and gain power over

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Claudius’s madness is mental; however, it is not the same as one with a mental illness. However, Hamlet’s “…antic disposition…” (34) is only a part of his plan. His madness is basically related to the greedy desire to have what he wants. Unfortunately, Hamlet’s plan does not work out the way he wishes.

Perhaps Ophelia is the only character who is truly mad in the play. He blames his "madness" for the killing of Polonius; therefore is able to escape punishment. Although the reason for Hamlet’s madness differs from the others, it also results in death. Her sudden self-slaughter comes as a surprise to most. Although the reason for their madness differs, the outcome is always death. It “…is mere madness…” (129) that he poisons King Hamlet and assumes his position as King of Denmark and husband of Gertrude.

Claudius, Ophelia, and Hamlet truly demonstrate how madness can take control of oneself.

Hamlet is the only character in the play that acts as if he is mad. Hamlet is sensitive and does not agree with the wrong doings of the world; therefore, he believes if he acts as a madman it will justify his wrong doings. “Though [it] [is] madness, yet there/is method in’t”(47).

Approximate Word count = 485
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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