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Insanity In Hamlet By William Shakespeare

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In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, the doings of its complex protagonist may appear as mental instability, but when further examined, an intention to portray insanity can be seen. Following the death of Hamlet’s father, his uncle Claudius seizes the throne. A ghost resembling Hamlet’s father reveals to Hamlet that Claudius is responsible for his death. Taken over by a great desire for revenge, Hamlet decides to portray madness. Throughout the play, Hamlet’s madness becomes very convincing, leading to the question: is Hamlet’s madness feigned or is it real? However, Hamlet’s madness is situational. When speaking to individuals he trusts, such as Horatio, he is clear and coherent. In Hamlet’s soliloquies, he reflects on his own thoughts, intentions, …show more content…

Rather than being consumed by madness, Hamlet’s madness is seen only when he is surrounded by certain individuals. In the tragic play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, the main character switches between manipulating individuals into believing he is insane and convincing his mother he is aware of what is going on. In a confrontation with his mother, Hamlet says, "That I essentially am not in madness, / But mad in craft" (Hamlet III. iv. 209-210). Here, Hamlet reveals that his madness is a pretense rather than a genuine mental breakdown, employed for his own purposes. Hamlet’s madness is not constantly present, as it only appears under certain circumstances. Furthermore, Hamlet's madness is situationally dependent and not a constant state. When talking to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act 2, Scene 2, Hamlet says, "I am but mad north-north-west. When the/ wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw" (II. ii.402-403). In Hamlet’s conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet highlights that his madness is purposeful, temporary, and occurs when he needs it to. Overall, Hamlet’s madness can be controlled, suggesting that it is false and emphasizing his …show more content…

He carefully considers the consequences before reacting emotionally in difficult situations. In Act 3, Scene 2, of Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Hamlet says to himself, "I will speak daggers to her, but use none" (III. ii. 429). Despite his strong emotions towards his mother, Hamlet refrains from acting violently, proving his sanity. Moreover, Hamlet devises a plan to gather evidence against Claudius before seeking revenge. He creates a plan to gather evidence against Claudius by staging a play that recreates his father's murder. This showcases his rationality and intellect. In Act 2, Scene 2, of Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the main character reveals his plan to expose the new king for killing his father, King Hamlet. Hamlet says, "I’ll have grounds/ More relative than this. The play’s the thing/ Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King" (II. ii. 632-634). He reveals a plan to expose Claudius by staging a play that reenacts his father's murder, hoping to find a guilty reaction. Rationality is shown through Hamlet’s behaviour, where he questions his thoughts, actions, and emotions, which requires self-awareness. Hamlet’s ability to complete these tasks proves he is not truly

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