Hamlet is one of the most popular plays of William Shakespeare. It has been enjoyed by audiences throughout its existence, and also criticized by critics. Since the time it was written, critics have been trying to explain Hamlet's odd behavior, and the apparent lack of explanation for the absurdities of the play have caused some critics to denounce the play as a failure. This is far from the truth. The basic explanation of the play, which solves many problems associated with the play, is that Hamlet is depressed. T.S. Elliot says the play is a failure because Shakespeare's fails to impart to the audience how one would feel in Hamlet's situation. The fault is not Shakespeare's, but the audience's. The audience often fails to understand that Hamlet at the opening of the play, is not in his normal state, but is Hamlet depressed because of the death of his father. We see Hamlet change throughout the play, as he is starts out depressed, and grows in a natural progression. !
             As he exits depression, he realizes the need for revenge, and he feigns madness to help him achieve this. Hamlet's depressed state in the beginning helps to explain many of the actions, and perceived failures of the play.
             As the play opens, we see Hamlet as he learns of his father's murder. Hamlet is lethargic, melancholy, and slow to action. As the play continues Hamlet changes, and seems to be completely different than what he previously was. Critics say that Hamlet not remaining constant throughout the play was a reason the play was a failure. This is wrong. There are three explanations why Hamlet was lethargic, melancholy, and slow to action. The first explanation is that Hamlet is depressed. His father was just murdered, his mother married his Uncle, and the title that he had been training for his whole entire life had just vanished before his eyes. This would be a great deal of disappointment for any man, a...