In the play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet is greatly affected in his thoughts and
             his actions by his ever changing state of melancholy. Melancholia is a medical term categorized by extreme
             depression, apathy, and withdrawal. Hamlet gives in to this illness and throughout the play he shows several
             characteristics of it. Hamlet being so self-centered steers him away from performing the vigorous duties he has been
             chosen to do by the ghost of his father and also himself. Hamlet develops a wariness of family and companions that
             keeps him from incriminating himself and destroying his plans for revenge. In the end, it is Hamlet's perseverance
             and determination that keeps him focused on his plan and gives him a relentlessness with which he pursues his goal.
             The conduct of Hamlet causes him to become the exact definition of melancholy, as defined by the medical field over
             The time in which Shakespeare lived and wrote this play was a time where the medical profession
             was just beginning. The people depended on ancient theories and practices that are no longer used in the medical
             field today. It was believed that black bile was a fluid found in the body. Any person with an excess amount of blood
             or fluids was believed to be in the state of melancholy. Hamlet was viewed as being composed of too much black bile
             which placed him as melancholic. Skepticism, a stubborn outlook and attitude about life, self absorption, and
             excessive gloomy response to recent events are all symptoms of melancholy. All of these symptoms apply to Hamlet
             during the course of the play. It is the fulfillment of these symptoms that proves Hamlet is in fact melancholic.
             Hamlet's constant thoughts and feelings about himself come from his state of melancholy. His continuos
             introspection as to how he is thinking, behaving, and feeling at any given time keep him from acting swift
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