Has Hamlet Gone Mad While In His Act?

Has Hamlet gone mad while in his Act? Throughout Acts I through III of “Hamlet” written by William Shakespeare, it becomes apparent that Hamlet has gone mad while in his act. His erratic behaviour and irrational thoughts are evident in his interactions with other characters, especially those close to him. It can also be seen that his father's death has left a deep impression on his mental health leaving him to make irrational decisions leading him further into madness. Hamlet’s interactions with his ghost father could also be seen as madness as no one else in the play has yet to speak with the ghost apart from Hamlet. Although some may argue that his actions are well thought out and intentional. His erratic behaviour is seen as inconsistent

The play within a play scene is a pivotal moment in which Hamlet's actions suggest his descent into madness. During this scene, Hamlet directs the players to perform a play that mirrors the murder of his father by his uncle. As the play progresses, Hamlet becomes increasingly agitated and erratic, shouting at the actors and making inappropriate comments. One quote that hints at Hamlet's madness during this scene is when he says, "I have heard / That guilty creatures sitting at a play / Have by the very cunning of the scene / Been struck so to the soul that presently / They have proclaimed their malefactions" (II, ii). This quote suggests that Hamlet himself may be feeling guilty about his own inaction regarding avenging his father's death which may be

Although others can see the ghost proving the fact that the ghost is in fact real, Hamlet seems to be the only one that can hear it which may allude to Hamlet hallucinating and thinking he hears his but in reality, it was the start of his descent into madness. A quote that can further prove that Hamlet relies on the ghost to lead his actions is when he tells Horatio, "I'll take the ghost's word for a thousand pounds" (III, ii). This statement shows how deeply affected Hamlet is by his father's ghostly visitation and suggests that he may be losing touch with