Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

A detailed Summary of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

The Shakespearian play "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" offers a puzzling main character by presenting an apparent sane man portraying an insane one for revenge. The question of Hamlet's lucidity is perceptible throughout the play. At first glance, the view of Hamlet is simply a heartbroken individual bent on revenge. He is seen having lost a father to death, a mother to remarriage and a kingdom to his uncle in a span of two months. However, as the play progresses extenuating circumstances and events arise that speed the deterioration of his mind. Therefore, the notion of Hamlet being a sane individual playing the role of a madman can be disputed with an in depth analysis of his character, actions and a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

The temperament of Hamlet can allude to his mindset throughout the play. In other words, by studying Hamlet's view of himself an answer to the stability of his mind is provided. The first clue is in act one scene two where he makes a comment about the king. "My father's brother, but no more like my father/ Than I to Hercules" (152-153); this quote is stating Hamlet doubts his strength and/or heroic capabilities. The next indication is in the statement "Haste me to know't, that I, with wings as swift / as me

In order to diagnose Hamlet as having schizophrenia, the definition of the disorder should be given. According to the online Health Center, schizophrenia is "a group of psychotic disorders characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, affect, behavior, and communication...". While there is no specific cause for schizophrenia, it is believed to have multiple explanations that rationalize the progression of the disorder. One theory is there are psychological and social factors, such as a disturbed family and interpersonal relationships, that may play a role in development. These and other symptoms can be seen in Hamlet. For example, the most common indicator is hallucinations. Hamlet displays this in act three scene four after he has seen the ghost a second time. He is vehement about his question "Do you see nothing there?" (Line 136). Another sign of the disorder is in delusions. Hamlet has no proof his mother is guilty yet; he condemns her on the word of a ghost. A further indication of the disorder is in violence, Hamlet displays this on four occasions: Polonius' murder, the murders of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, the attack and murder on Laertes and in the murder of the King. An additional warning sign in his state is his suicidal thoughts that can be seen in his soliloquy in act three scene one. Due to these symptoms stemming from more than one subtype of schizophrenia, it can be concluded that Hamlet displayed the signs of the undifferentiated type of s

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Approximate Word count = 994
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English