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Examples Of Personality Disorder In Hamlet

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The main character of William Shakespeare’s tragedy is actually a confused person that’s stuck between two choices. Some may argue that he feels guilty for his father’s death and so it’s his duty to avenge it. While others may disagree and conclude that he is just a maniac who is both violent and dangerous. Hamlet passes through the lane of hesitancy, where he hesitates to kill King Claudius. As a matter of fact, the main conflict of Hamlet is that he feels both the need to solve the crime and punish the responsible. In addition, he suffers from hesitancy in the correctness of their actions. Throughout the play, Hamlet says, “That I, the son of a dear father murder'd, /Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell.” (2.2.581-587) This …show more content…

Various psychological disorders can be applied to Hamlet, but the main ones include Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Possibilities Observing Hamlet’s actions throughout the play, it is possible to say that he suffers from three major disorders, Borderline personality disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder (BDP) is a disorder identified when a person has difficulties in controlling emotions. According to NAMI, BDP includes symptoms such as “…severe, unstable mood swings, impulsivity and instability, poor self-image and stormy relationships” (nami.org). People who suffer from BDP frequently aim to avoid members of their family or friends. They also suffer from their personal negative self-esteem that has an impact on their values and relationships with other people. This affects their desire to commit suicide and harm themselves. In addition, people with this disorder may also feel disconnected from their bodies, which results in the inexplicable feeling of guilt and paranoia. This disorder can be applied to Hamlet’s famous quote “To be, or not to …show more content…

Gertrude asks, “O me, what hast thou done?” (Act 3, scene 4) and Hamlet replies, “Nay, I know not. Is it the king?” (Act 3, scene 4). Hamlet’s response shows his reckless behavior where he acts without thinking. Thus, it is possible to say that Hamlet suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. Another disorder that can be applied to Hamlet is Bipolar Disorder, which often occurs in chronic forms. People who suffer from Bipolar Disorder have depression and manias that strengthen their constant irritation and feelings of sadness and boredom. However, there are two main symptoms that differ bipolar from other mental disorders, which are mania and depression (this may be supplemented by such steps as hallucinations and delusions). Frequently the patient feels that he cannot in any way affect the situation. However, the patient has bouts of mania, in which they do not realize their impulsive actions have a negative impact on their life. In addition, “Bipolar Disorder causes dramatic highs and lows in a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly.” (nami.org) In this respect, Hamlet has a pronounced mania that is to avenge his father. This mania is

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