Is Hamlet Mad?

A detailed Summary of Is Hamlet Mad?


"I will be brief. Your noble son is mad," states Polonius (II, ii,

91) . Ophelia exclaims, "O what a noble mind is here o'erthrown!"

(III, i, 153). "Alas, he's mad," concludes Gertrude (III, iv,

106). Claudius even instructs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to escort

Hamlet to England because "it [is not] safe with us/To let his madness

range" (III, iii, 1-2). Essentially, each supporting character

questions Hamlet's sanity, and most conclude he is indeed mad.

General consensus can justify almost all actions in most societies.

As for sanity, if authorities believe you are insane then you "are"

insane; your personal commentary is often not heeded and is dismissed.

Hamlet's environment proves no different. The possibility that Hamlet

feigns madness for purpose never enters most characters' minds, and to

Claudius (the King and figurehead against Hamlet), purpose is

irrelevant. Hamlet poses a viable threat to Claudius' throne whether

sane or insane, and Hamlet's supposed insanity provides justification

for detrimental action. As long as evidence supports Hamlet's

psychosis then Claudius can rid himself of Hamlet and rule Denmark as

he pleases. Hamlet's actions and speech on numerous occasions can


Beholding supernatural beings that no one else sees or hears usually

Polonius: My lord, I have news to tell you

the first scene are unkempt, and he appears disheveled. According to

unmethodically, reflected in histrionic outbursts of accusatory

temperaments, but suddenly Hamlet transforms into a state of wild

with Ophelia, Gertrude, and with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. In the



Some common words found in the essay are:
Claudius Gertrude, Ghost Gertrude, Hamlet England, Claudius King, Gertrude Hamlet, Rosencrantz Guildenstern, Hamlet Buzz, Ophelia Hamlet, Ophelia Hamlet's, Laertes Ophelia's, rosencrantz guildenstern, act hamlet, hamlet's actions, lord tell, hamlet hears, scene gertrude, ii ii, numerous occasions, scene gertrude hamlet, gertrude hamlet,

Approximate Word count = 811
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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