Hamlet’s Madness Analysis Essay Example

evidence undermines the author's analysis of the play. Though referencing some instances, broad statements are made without sufficient backing. For example, Hamlet's feigned madness is suggested as a ploy to deceive Gertrude; however, it actually serves to dissuade Claudius from seeing him as a rival. Such misunderstandings lead to flawed interpretations regarding his 'madness'.

The absence of a clear definition for madness in the essay is a notable concern, as identified by the author. According to Merriam-Webster, madness is described as "the quality or state of being mad", however, it is not an arbitrary condition and may result from various factors that mentally ensnare an individual, ultimately leading to insanity. The essay's portrayal of Hamlet's madness remains ambiguous; while equating depression and suicidal ideation with madness, the author fails to present any reliable evidence supporting this assertion.

The essay could have been more effective if the author had presented solid evidence to support Hamlet's madness instead of making assumptions. Although the author suggests that the traumatic events in Hamlet's life can drive anyone mad, their argument lacks clarity due to a lack of clear definition of madness. Moreover, their interpretation of Shakespeare's soliloquies is not comprehensive. While they acknowledge that these monologues offer insights into Hamlet's thoughts, their understanding of the deeper meaning is limited. The fourth paragraph implies that Hamlet's suicidal tendencies result from his traumatic experiences; however, it is moral conflict rather than mental instability which drives him towards this point.

The author discusses Hamlet's religious beliefs in relation to his contemplation of suicide. Although Hamlet no longer desires to live, he ultimately chooses not to go through with taking his own life due

to his moral convictions. During the time period of Western Civilization, expressing violent thoughts was viewed as both illegal and immoral. Therefore, Hamlet recognizes that carrying out his suicide would contradict his strong religious beliefs. Ultimately, the author believes that Hamlet's madness leads to the tragic downfall of Denmark and this can be interpreted in various ways.

Despite holding strong moral beliefs and the author's prior assertion, Hamlet lacked the capacity to commit homicide. Thus, he did not face consequences for slaying Claudius as his intentions stemmed from a quest for justice rather than vengeance. The royal court during Hamlet's time resembled contemporary legal structures in which the monarch resolved legal conflicts. Being the rightful successor to the throne, Hamlet wielded power to make choices that would benefit society at large.

At the conclusion of the play, Hamlet employs the poisoned wine and sword intended for him to unveil Claudius' true identity to the audience. In slaying Claudius, Hamlet not only seeks retribution for his father's demise but also endeavors to serve society by eradicating malevolence from Denmark. The motives behind these actions are not due to Hamlet's insanity or thirst for vengeance; rather, they aim towards achieving fairness. Source: http://www.essaypedia.

The recurring topic of whether Hamlet's madness in Shakespeare's play Hamlet is genuine or not arises because of the challenging period he undergoes. Losing his father, having his uncle take the throne and marry his mother, being urged by the ghost of his father to seek revenge on Claudius, and having Ophelia reject him under her father Polonius' orders could definitely cause someone to lose control and become insane. In the play, Hamlet exhibits erratic behavior which

supports this idea. (Source: https://www.example.com/papers/is-hamlets-madness-his-true-feelings-13223.html)

The domination of madness throughout the play poses a confusing question - is Hamlet truly evil or acting for a purpose? It remains unclear what Hamlet's true intentions are, making it difficult to discuss. It is possible that he is sincerely mad, but there is also a possibility that he feigns madness to caution his companions and demonstrate his intention for revenge. Hamlet himself states that he is in control of when he appears mad, declaring "I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw" (2.2).

It is debatable whether Hamlet's assertion of feigning insanity can be properly understood in light of the hardships he has endured (76-77). When he informs Gertrude that his madness is but a ruse, it could be to convey that he still retains mastery over his own actions. His intention may have been to prevent her from thinking that he had completely lost his mind. Nonetheless, there are indications that Hamlet experiences actual bouts of mental instability. Through his monologues, one gains understanding into how he thinks and observes just how unbalanced he truly is (76-77).

Hamlet employs his soliloquies to clarify his ideas and gain insight into his thoughts. Initially, Hamlet seems unstable owing to the negative experiences he encounters. During Act 1, Hamlet shares his perspective on life with the line, "O, that this too too – solid flesh would melt…" (1.2.129).

Hamlet's mental instability is first revealed through his initial words expressing discontent with his mother's marriage to Claudius. This is observed after Hamlet's conversation with Gertrude and Claudius, in which he portrays signs of madness.

The death of King Hamlet also significantly influences Hamlet's actions during this phase.

Hamlet contemplates suicide but is aware that it is considered a sin and cries out "His canon 'gainst self – slaughter! God! O God…" (1. 2. 133). Hamlet's religious convictions may have prevented him from taking his own life. However, in the following act, Hamlet exhibits signs of madness.

Hamlet's life is portrayed as dark and bitter. The death of his father, followed by his mother's remarriage, and the burden of having to kill Claudius, all add to his distress. Although he reasons logically about his situation, suggesting that he is not entirely mad, there remains an element of madness within him that cannot be ignored. In Act 3, Hamlet delivers another soliloquy that further illuminates his mental state.

"When we have shuffled off this mortal coil," (3.1.67-8), Hamlet's speech reveals his character and perspective, as he expresses deep depression and ongoing misery throughout the play.

Hamlet's descent into madness is influenced by various factors, including his contemplation of suicide. The repeated exposure to such thoughts can have a debilitating effect on the mind, as Hamlet experiences throughout the play. This struggle is evident in his famous "to be, or not to be" soliloquy. In addition, Ophelia's rejection of his love at Polonius' urging adds to Hamlet's emotional distress. Furthermore, he has also endured heartbreak from watching his mother betray him and losing his beloved Ophelia.

The third act scene one of Hamlet by Shakespeare depicts the lead character losing his respect for women and subsequently becoming discourteous towards Ophelia. He refers to her as a "breeder of sinners" (3.1.122) and rudely advises her to "get thee

to a nunnery" (3.1.121). Such behavior clearly exhibits Hamlet's unfavorable disposition towards females.In Act five Scene One of the play, Hamlet jumps into Ophelia's grave and engages in a fight with Laertes, expressing his affection for her by saying, "I loved Ophelia; forty thousand brothers…could not, with all their quantity of love…make up my sum…"(5. 1. 263-5). Furthermore, Hamlet warns Laertes that he possesses a dangerous characteristic that he should be cautious of, stating "…something in me dangerous, which let thy wisdom fear…"(5.

In Hamlet's statement "Frailty, thy name is woman" (1.256-7), he hints at his potential for madness and danger.

In Act III, Scene 2 (line 146) of the play, Hamlet discusses how women can appear one way but act differently, based on his mother's behavior. This belief contributes to Hamlet's feeling of isolation. The scene where Hamlet visits his mother's bedroom highlights his mental instability.

The strength of his tone intimidates her, causing fear. Despite showing no remorse for killing Polonius and instead rationalizing it as good ("thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell" - 3.4.191), these violent outbursts seem to stem from his madness.

It is extremely difficult to comprehend Hamlet's thought process. Hamlet cannot be held responsible for all the turmoil in Elsinore as his madness leads him to a tragic end. Being perceived as "mad", he takes responsibility for how he demonstrates his madness and often loses control of his behavior. This is one factor responsible for the ultimate downfall of individuals and the country of Denmark.