Hamlet's sanity is clarified, in the first act, by statements and feelings expressed within his dialogue. When asked about his depressed appearance and demeanor by Gertrude, Hamlet replies, "Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not "seems" (1037, line 76). This relates the idea that Hamlet is 'what he appears to be'. Later, he clearly makes a statement about his mental health when he commits himself to avenge his father's murder.

After Hamlet backs out of killing Claudius, he says to his mother "O shame, where is thy blush?" (1104, line 85). Here, he is voicing his displeasure for his mother not only marrying his uncle, but for not being true to herself. Again, Hamlet is contradicting himself. He has been--throughout the first two-thirds of this play--ambiguous and untrue to himself. At this juncture, he is still uncertain as to how to proceed. Hamlet is caught in his inner turmoil of acting out his role, and objectivity. Finally, Hamlet's thoughts and actions are placed in order, and he makes the decision to uphold the destiny his father had proclaimed. Hamlet makes this momentous decision while watching the soldiers going off to battle, "The imminent death of twenty thousand men That for fantasy and a trick of fame, Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause, Which is not tomb enough and continent To hide the slain? O, from this time forth My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!" (1116, line 62).

Survival in this play is based on one's ability to role play. Polonius was unable to adhere to his role of adviser, and attempted to convince Claudius that Hamlet was enamored with his daughter. This led Polonius to spy on Hamlet, and since he was not successful in that venture, it cost him his life. Ophelia obviously was unable to bear the burden of her father's death, and that her true love was the one who had killed him. This resulted in her obvious delve into insanity, which resulted in her death. Claudius was unable to successfully conceal his guilt, thus Hamlet had the proof he needed to confront him. Yet, the irony of Shakespeare's tragedy lies within the main character. If Hamlet had acted as the ghost of his father had initially ordained, no one except Claudius would have perished. Therefore, Hamlet merely verged on the brink of madness--spurned by his quest for the truth, that lies within us all.

Again, Hamlet is questioning not only his sanity, but his role in life. He also questions the purpose of his role--madness or vengeful son? He had already pledged revenge, but again acquiesces, "Must like a whore unpack my heart with words And fall a-cursing, like a very drab, A scullion!" (1079, line 542). Hence, Hamlet (always wanted to say that!), is now berating role playing, although he now realizes he may provide proof of Claudius' guilt through role playing by the players. Hamlet then devises a plan to use the players to condemn Claudius via a play, "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King" (1080, line 561).

Before the play is performed, Hamlet has an intercourse with Ophelia, and offers some prophetic statements, "To be, or not to be...". Clearly, in this most famous Shakespeare soliloquy, Hamlet displays thoughts of self that questions the worth of living. Moreover, Hamlet recognizes the importance of his affections towards Ophelia, and in regards to Ophelia's beauty, Hamlet states "That if you be honest and fair, your honesty should admit no discourse to your beauty" (1083, line 108). Clearly, Hamlet is saying that indeed, Ophelia can be honest and fair, however; it is virtually impossible to link these two traits, since 'fairness' is an outward trait, while 'honesty' is an inward trait. He further states "A, truly,

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Approximate Word count = 2249
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)