Madness and Insanity in Shakespeares Hamlet - Hamlets Madness :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

Hamlets Madness What is madness? Is someone mad merely because they are different, anddo they in come about see the same about the world? The dictionary defines madnessas, 1. the state of being mad insanity. 2. senseless folly. 3. frenzyrage. 4. intense excitement or hilarity. though is there a differencebetween madness and wrath or rage? Was Hamlet mad, or was it one big act in monastic order to give rea male child for his irrational actions and to keep his vengeful motivesconfidential? In Shakespeares tragedy, Hamlet, these questions are continually askedand some are answered. Hamlet, the protagonist, has lost his father by murder,and is urged to explore vengeance by his father who appears to him as a ghost.This raises the first bit of suspicion of madness. Hamlet talks with his fatherand is told, Hamlet If thou didst ever thy lamb father love- Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. Most would say that the fact that he saw the ghost of his dead father wouldbe comme il fau t to warrant that he is insane. The only fact that hinders thisobservation is the fact that others saw the ghost as well and were even the oneswho told young Hamlet of his appearance. Many whitethorn see Hamlet being insane only by the worldly view of him beingdifferent. Though towards the end of the play in Act III, Gertrude calls her sonto her chambers to discuss the reasoning of his putting on a play so closelyrelated to the death of his father. She tells him how upset Claudius is and isweary of Hamlets recent actions. At this Hamlet explodes on his mother andthreatens to kill her. Gertrude cries for help, and Pilonius answers this cry.Hamlet runs him through with his rapier without even thinking. Hamlet tells herto report to Claudius this message Gertrude Mad as the sea and finish up when both contend Which is mightier. In his lawless fit, Behind the arras hearing something stir, Whips out his rapier, cries A rat, a rat, And in this brainish apprehension kills The unseen intel ligent old man.This incident shows Hamlets wanting others to think that he is truly mad. Butwas it his insanity that brought about the rash action of killing the unknownman butt the tapestry or was it his postponed revenge that consumed him. Isthere a difference? Hamlet in many incidences tells people of his insanity, he tellsGuildenstern that he is mad. Guildenstern My lord, we were sent for.