Within his tragic Hamlet, Shakespeare explores three definitions of madness. The definition presented by Ophelia is the only one I interpret as conventional madness, whereas I think the two presented by Hamlet are either feigned or the result of heightened emotions. Each condition contains similarities and differences that help to highlight the dramatic purpose that this theme provides to the play. The first of these conditions is named the antic disposition by Hamlet in act one, scene five, and could be argued to be Hamlets genuine state. However, I think that Shakespeare employs a number of methods to disprove this belief and confirm that whilst employing the antic disposition, Hamlet is sane. The first of these methods is the witty wordplay Shakespeare assigns to Hamlet to allow him to mock those he suspects of working in liaison with his uncle. Claudius most infamous and interfering courtier, Polonius, is one of Hamlets prime targets.
This is illustrated in the famous Fishmongers Scene where, under the guise of madness, Hamlet not only accuses Polonius of being a dishonest spy, I would you were so honest a man, and a pimp, you are a fishmonger, but also takes great pleasure in calling him a fool. This is seen in a large section of prose given to Hamlet where he picks out amusing examples of Polonius senility, old men have grey beards, their faces are wrinkled, they have a plentiful lack of wit. He also mimics Polonius obsequious repetition of my lord, with his own, sarcastic, sir, which appears three times in this speech where it need not have been said at all. Hamlet continues to belittle and prove Polonius a fool throughout the beginning of this scene but, the use of this wordplay is only seen as definite proof of Hamlets sanity when Shakespeare continues the theme into act three, scene two. Here, Hamlet calls Polonius, so capital a calf, and fools him into believing he is mad with such ridiculous lines as, do you see yonder cloud thats almost in shape of a camel? to which Polonius fawningly agrees. The extent of this continuity not only allows Shakespeare to prove Hamlets sanity, but also helps him to define the first type of madness, which is very well planned and implemented by Hamlets vast intellect, quick thinking and convincing acting ability. This superb performance, which allows the antic disposition to be so realistic is also seen in the alterations Hamlet makes to his character depending on the company he is in.
The Essay on “Hamlet” by Shakespeare and the ultimate measure
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. This powerful quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. is by far a very accurate statement that I believe to be true. A man cannot be judged his worth based on what he does during serene times, but rather he must be judged based on his actions during times of hardship. The ...
This is further proof to his awareness of his false state and the existence of his sanity. Again, this is expressed with Hamlets attitude towards Polonius, especially in act three, scene two, where he appears to be able to switch his condition on and off. After furiously condemning Rosencrantz and Guildenstern for playing upon him, the appearance of Polonius provokes an instant change in mood; God bless you, sir! This is seen continuously through the play, for example, in act two, scene two, after acting for Polonius, Hamlet immediately jokes with the then trustworthy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with clever, sexual wordplay. Hamlets own line, I must be idle, in act three, scene two, however, is Shakespeares most significant indication that this disposition is indeed knowledgeably feigned. Further proof to the extent of Hamlets act is seen with his manipulative pandering to the desires of different characters. There are a number of views held on the cause of Hamlets madness: Polonius believes that it is for unrequited love, whereas Claudius, thinks it due to ambition. Through the play, Hamlet seems aware of this and plays on these suspicions to confuse Claudius and his spies.
The is seen in reference to Ophelia in act two, scene two, Have you a daughter? As your daughter may conceive, one fair daughter, and again in Hamlets approach to Ophelia when Polonius is present, heres metal more attractive, country matters in order to convince Polonius that he is mad for love for Ophelia. This plan proves successful, as seen by Polonius reaction, Oh, ho! Do you mark that? The antic disposition is presented very methodically and with obvious calculation, as commented on by Claudius, theres matter in these sighs and therefore is classified by Shakespeare as the first of Hamlets two temperaments, which could be described as madness. However, because of the clear intellect used to give such a polished performance of wit and wordplay, I believe that, whilst in this state, Hamlet is still completely sane and aware of what he is doing, I am but mad north-north-west. I believe Shakespeare uses all of these techniques to prove Hamlets sanity in order to create a true villain of Claudius. By assuring his audience that Hamlet is sane, Shakespeare ensures that his opinion of Claudius is reliable. Therefore, when catching Claudius with the dumb show in act three, there is no doubt over Hamlets findings because, for the first three acts, Shakespeare has proven him sane. This gives the rest of the play purpose, justifies Hamlets actions and confirms his honour within the play.
The Essay on Hamlet Act 5 Scene 5 Analysis
Give me your pardon, sir. I’ve done you wrong. But pardon ’t, as you are a gentleman. …… That I have shot mine arrow o’er the house And hurt my brother. Since Hamlet somehow knows this fencing fight is not only a simple competition between him and Laertes, Hamlet understands that why Laertes needs to fight with him, which because Hamlet killed Polonius, who is Laertes` father, by ...
In comparison to this logic, Hamlets second temperament is incredibly ambiguous, but there are specific moments in the text where he has obviously strayed from both the solidarity of his sanity and the comfort of the antic disposition. Though these moments are not the conventional madness a Shakespearean audience would have recognised, they contain some of the key symptoms of the modern form of depression. During these moments, it is clear that Hamlet is not thinking with the precise and calculated mind Shakespeare has previously given him. I have found that this depression is bought on by moments of emotional distress regarding three things: betrayal, for example from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, guilt, mainly over his inability to carry out his fathers requests for revenge and loss, for example, Ophelias funeral. It can be characterized by the frenzied loss of control Hamlet has previously guarded so closely. This loss of control is easily seen through the more violent language assigned to Hamlet and the actions which accompany them. This can be seen d ….
The Essay on Madness Of Hamlet
Madness may be a mental incapacity caused by an unmentionable injury. Madness is one of the major themes in Shakespeare s play Hamlet. Almost all the characters in the play have moments where, there are irrational actions. Their actions have significant consequences as the play progresses. Ophelia is one of these characters that by the end of the play go insane. However, Ophelia did not choose to ...
