Misunderstood Characters In Hamlet

Throughout the play of Hamlet, the concept of madness is brought up profusely. What does it mean to be mad? Likewise, what does it mean to be misunderstood? In this play those ideas are interchangeable. Throughout the play two characters are viewed as being in a state of madness, by their peers and by the audience. These being Hamlet Jr. and Ophelia. Rather, I, view them as misunderstood. These star-crossed lovers were destined to be together. But could not due to superficial titles. Thus, resulting in their perceived madness.

While looking for the answer to the question ‘what it means to be mad?’ I happened upon a revelation. This being, that “madness,” is seen by characters in the play, as action that is beyond one’s own grasp, or being

In Act 1 scene 3 he tells her that “For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favor, Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, A violet in the youth of primy nature, Forward, not permanent.” He is saying that what their experiencing is essentially puppy love and it will not last long because he is a prince and can’t control who he marries. She tells him she’ll remember his words. Then when she tells her father about their exchange, he states the same thing and goes a tad bit further. Ophelia tells her father that Hamlet has said that he wanted to marry her “And hath given countenance to his speech, my lord, With almost all the holy vows of heaven.” (Act 1 Scene 3, Lines 113-114) Polonius tells her that Hamlet is young, and to not believe what he is telling her because they are empty promises. He then goes a bit further stating, “I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth Have you so slander any moment leisure as to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet.” He is telling Ophelia not to spend any time with Hamlet anymore. Due to this, there is a rift between Hamlet and Ophelia leaving them not as close as

Whether to act or not act is a topic of discussion throughout the play. What shouldn’t be a topic of debate is Hamlets madness. The reason it shouldn’t be debated is because everything that Hamlet does, was all but an act by to justify his actions. Near the end of the play, Hamlet doesn’t do anything that should classify as him being mad. Or descent into madness. As for Ophelia, she’s more-less depressed. This caused by the death of her father and abandonment of Laertes and Hamlet. Again, she is not mad, but reacting to the terrible situation she was given. I believe that if Horatio had not tried to convince Hamlet to not talk to the ghost, then he would not had acting as a mad man, rather just occasionally perceived as