Hamlet is a Fuckin' Psycho
William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Hamlet, is full of many timeless themes, issues, as well as problems which resurface frequently throughout its duration. In this play the main protagonist, Hamlet, feigns insanity in order to cover his inner devious and vengeful intentions. His act, albeit convincing (and teetering on the verge of not actually being an "act"), leaves the reader wondering, "Hey! Is Hamlet just pretending, or his he really crazy?" Like a good author, Shakespeare leaves Hamlet's mental condition up to interpretation by the reader, creating an outlet for some fascinating "dinner table" discussions. While pondering the ins and outs of this concept, one must be open to abstract ideas. Consider this: Hamlet's insanity act drives him insane. Rather than being one or the other, one leads to the other. There is historical proof that William Shakespeare based his rendition of Hamlet on a classic, traditional, Norse saga. In this original narrative, a story unfolds where a king is killed by his brother, who then marries the dead king's widow. A young prince must pretend to be mad in order to save his own life, all the while avoiding traps laid by his wicked, incestuous uncle. Eventually, the you
He falls to such perusal of my face And, with his other hand thus o'er his brow, For out o' doors he went without their helps At last, a little shaking of mine arm, He took me by the wrist and held me hard. As it did seem shatter all his bulk And to the last bended their light on me. (II. I. 99-112) Although Hamlet was hiding his true mental status at the beginning of the play, his stability becomes fuzzier and fuzzier as the plot unfolds. His passion builds to the point where it controls his actions and he begins to truly lose his mind. When Hamlet is given a last ditch effort to prove his sanity to his mother, one of the few whom he truly cares for and holds in high regard, his actions do nothing but further his case of insanity. Hamlet makes an honest effort in trying to convince his mother that he's not crazy, but in his decaying mental state he ends up seeing a ghost, and killing Polonius. "My pulse as yours doth temperately keep time and makes as healthful music. It is not madness that I have uttered." (III. IV. 160-163). Hamlet states as a final plea. However, his mother sees only what has become of her son, a once loyal prince turned lunatic.
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Approximate Word count = 1028
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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