Hamlet Essay
Comment on Hamlet's madness. Do you think it was altogether assumed or can you offer evidence to suggest that Hamlet was not always in complete control of his action?Shakespeare's tragic hero, Hamlet, and his sanity can arguably be discussed. Many portions of the play supports his loss of control in his actions, while other parts uphold his ability of dramatic art. The issue can be discussed both ways and altogether provide significant support to either theory. There are indications from Hamlet throughout the play of his mind's well being. Hamlet's antic disposition may have caused him in certain times that he is in a roleplay. Hamlet has mood swings as his mood changes abruptly throughout the play. Hamlet appears to act mad when he hears of his father's murder. At the time he speaks wild and whirling words:Why, right; you are I' the right; And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part... [Act I, scene V, lines 127-134]. It seems as if there are two Hamlets in the play, one that is sensitive and an ideal prince, and the insane barbaric Hamlet who from an outburst of passion and rage slays Polonius with no feeling of remorse, Thou wretched, rash, intruding foo
Hamlet tells his mother That I essentially am not in madness,/ But mad in craft. [Act III, scene IV, lines 188-199]. Hamlet believes in his sanity at all times, He never doubts his control over his sanity. He realizes his flaw as a man of thoughts and not actions. His cold act of Polonius' murder is out of rage and furious temper. He is sorry for it has no great compassion towards Polonius, for he already has enough grief over his father's death. Hamlet's madness in no way reflects Ophelia's true madness, his actions contrast them. Hamlet's madness is only apparent when he is in the presence of certain characters. When Hamlet is around Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, he behaves unreasonably. When Hamlet in the presence of Horatio, Bernado, Francisco, The Players, and Gravediggers, his actions are sensible. Hamlet has violent outbursts towards his mother. His outburst seems to be out of jealousy, as a victim to the Oedipus complex. He alone sees his father's ghost in his mother's chambers. Every other time the ghost appeared someone else has seen it. During this scene he finally shows his madness, because his mother does not see the ghost. On him, on him! Look you how pale he glares!/ his form and cause conjoined, preaching to stones / Would make them capable. [Act III, scene IV, lines 126-128]. l, farewell! / I took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune;/ Thou find'st to be too
Some common words found in the essay are:
Act III, Comment Hamlet's, Laertes Ophelia's, Act IV, Players Gravediggers, Act II, Ophelia Forty, Rosencrantz Guildenstern, act scene, throughout play, scene lines, act iii scene, act iii, iii scene, iii scene iv, hamlet's madness, scene iv, hamlet's actions, control actions, scene iv lines, act scene lines, iv lines, scene iii lines,
Approximate Word count = 968
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
|