Is Hamlet Mad?
Asking whether Hamlet is mad is a totally subjective and multidimensional question which can be dissected by using a perception vs. reality outline.
Case for Sanity
Hamlet was an articulate and clever heir to the Danish throne who goes through a mental and also spiritual dilemma based around revenge for a loved one.
The fact that he considers right over wrong and good vs. evil (hesitation to kill Claudius especially while at prayer) shows that Hamlet is fully cognizant and aware, and has a strong and working conscience. That's why all people that commit murder are not immediately carted off to some sanitarium! Killing a person or even contemplating murder is definitely not a normal action; which many believe to be a marker of insanity, however premeditation is what differentiates between a capable individual and someone who's just plain "off their rocker"- crazy.
Case for Insanity
The premise for the entire play was the fact that Hamlet wanted to avenge his father's death because a ghost told him it was a murder. And not only did the ghost reveal the cause of death, he also told Hamlet who perpetrated the crime and wanted him (Claudius) killed for it. Also Hamlet swore to act strange and odd and to "put an antic disposition on" (I. v. 170, 172). He wanted everyone to think he was insane to throw them off track, especially the King Claudius and his entourage.
These are the only cases for Hamlet to be diagnosed as insane. (Although apparitions screaming for bloody murder/revenge would have anyone needing to visit their mental health provider!)
I believe that Hamlet was definitely not crazy. Even if the ghost never appeared, he had reason and motive to want Claudius dead. Hamlet should have been king! In most patrilineal monarchies the heir to the throne is passed down from father to son. That's why King Claudius was referred to as "usurper": a person who has seized and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right < usurp a throne> (merriam-webster online)
And besides...three other people witnessed the ghost, even though it only spoke to Hamlet.
Asking whether Hamlet is mad is a totally subjective and multidimensional question which can be dissected by using a perception vs. reality outline.
Case for Sanity
Hamlet was an articulate and clever heir to the Danish throne who goes through a mental and also spiritual dilemma based around revenge for a loved one.
The fact that he considers right over wrong and good vs. evil (hesitation to kill Claudius especially while at prayer) shows that Hamlet is fully cognizant and aware, and has a strong and working conscience. That's why all people that commit murder are not immediately carted off to some sanitarium! Killing a person or even contemplating murder is definitely not a normal action; which many believe to be a marker of insanity, however premeditation is what differentiates between a capable individual and someone who's just plain "off their rocker"- crazy.
Case for Insanity
The premise for the entire play was the fact that Hamlet wanted to avenge his father's death because a ghost told him it was a murder. And not only did the ghost reveal the cause of death, he also told Hamlet who perpetrated the crime and wanted him (Claudius) killed for it. Also Hamlet swore to act strange and odd and to "put an antic disposition on" (I. v. 170, 172). He wanted everyone to think he was insane to throw them off track, especially the King Claudius and his entourage.
These are the only cases for Hamlet to be diagnosed as insane. (Although apparitions screaming for bloody murder/revenge would have anyone needing to visit their mental health provider!)
I believe that Hamlet was definitely not crazy. Even if the ghost never appeared, he had reason and motive to want Claudius dead. Hamlet should have been king! In most patrilineal monarchies the heir to the throne is passed down from father to son. That's why King Claudius was referred to as "usurper": a person who has seized and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right < usurp a throne> (merriam-webster online)
And besides...three other people witnessed the ghost, even though it only spoke to Hamlet.
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