Health is an important condition that mankind should be concerned with. Health is commonly linked with youth, although health can be lost or damaged at any age and in many different ways. Because of this, many people take good health for granted. There are many factors and areas contributing to one good health, and when lost, all have various side effects and degrees of severity. Poor emotional health, for one, may be attributed to great stresses in one's life, and side effects may range from unhealthy thoughts to emotional outbursts at inopportune times. This state of mind may lead to mental insatiability, which in most severe cases, can cause insanity. Both of these conditions are greatly affected by environmental factors, such as other people, deaths, and other uncontrollable situations. The loss of (or lack thereof) health is shown at great depth in several of William Shakespeare's plays. The poor state of Denmark contributes greatly to all the characters emotional and mental health in Shakespeare's Hamlet.

As the play begins, the reader is placed in the midst of action, otherwise known as 'med ris'. Therefore, the reader does not see how poor Denmark's situation actually is as there is nothing to compare it to. The reader learns that Hamlet Sr. the former King, has recently suffered and untimely demise. His brother, Claudius, has taken over the kingdom. Yet, the reader learns that Claudius has married Gertrude, Hamlet Sr.'s widow, very shortly after his death in Claudius' opening remarks; "'Therefore our sometimes sister, now our queen, ...with mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage,...taken to wife.'" (1.2.8-14). This is an emotionally unstable time for all involved, especially Hamlet Jr. whose uncle has, just recently after his own father's death, become his uncle. This

uncontrollable situation causes stress to Hamlet, and also to others around. However, nothing is commented towards Claudius and Gertrude's marriage for fear of their own

When Claudius takes over as King, there is evidence that he is not the most exceptional leader for Denmark. He shows signs of overindulgence when stating, "' ...at night, we'll feast together./Most welcome home!'" (2.2.89-90). Claudius overeats, drinks at any possible chance, and is loose with his words, because he thinks that no one will speak up to contradict him. However, his over-indulgence of eating and drinking shows signs of inner weakness and his longing for acceptance. In other words, Claudius is a weak person who is attempting to hide his inner demons, acts that he has committed in his past, and convince others that he is the best leader for Denmark. The irony of it is that it was Claudius who sent the environment of Denmark into a tailspin, yet he is the one who has the most control over the environment, now that he is the King.

These environmental factors have great implications on all characters involved. Thus, emotional stability is explored in depth by many characters. Queen Gertrude is a prime exa

The Importance of Health. (1969, December 31). In DirectEssays.com. Retrieved 15:37, June 19, 2013, from http://www.directessays.com/viewpaper/83024.html

Direct Essays. "The Importance of Health." DirectEssays.com. DirectEssays.com, (December 31, 1969). Web. 19 Jun. 2013.

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