Was Hamlet Insane? Essay Example

One the most discussed and debated subjects is “Was Hamlet Insane.” The many different interpretations that Hamlet was insane is not true, maybe eccentric, enigmatic, mysterious, impulsive but not insane. Hamlets demeanor and character fit perfectly into the plot as a misunderstood villain or rebel acting on revenue with life’s surprises throwing him for a loop.Hamlets madness was his weapon, his power, his ingenuity because many people including the king were not sure how to understand the actions of Hamlet. In real life, people who we think are mental challenge or crazy we tend to excuse their behavior while steering clear of their unpredictable wrath. There is much evidence that Hamlet was intentionally aloof showing instances of raving madness either to gain control of adversaries or to confuse his enemies with unsuspecting antics that befuddle the room including the king(Mabillard, 2014). The author Mabillard (2014), goes on to state that it was the king and his henchmen, who first labeled Hamlet madness while she points to an older gentleman that said “Hamlet uses his madness with purpose. The king supports the theory that Hamlet is not mad. In one scene, the king urges one of his henchmen to find out why Hamlet acts with such lunacy as to say, he knows Hamlet is sane but wants to know why he chooses to act insane. This further proves that the even the king, family members and henchman all understood it was a deliberate act of insanity to keep others off balance.

It was everyday life that makes us all a little insane, which Hamlet was reacting openly the way most people act in silence. The death of Hamlet fathers sends him into a rage and depression which all people experience when losing a love one. We all handle death differently but in the case of Hamlet his offbeat behavior, slashing words, and strange actions lead others to believe his was insane. That is not being insane that is called being human. This not to say that Hamlet did not have bipolar characteristics but some of his actions were normal. However, it is very clear Hamlet choses what people he wants to be extremely insane while others he is very normal when in their presence. Hamlets strange actions were different when he was around Ophelia or Polonius because he used his insane actions to keep them off balance because he did not trust them. However, in contrast, when he was around Horatio he acted perfectly sane(Mount Vernon NazereneUniversity, 2014).In the modern world, Hamlets actions would be praised an instinctive because he can read others emotions toward him. It is clear that Hamlet was truly in control of his surroundings to ensure he keep everyone off guard. There are other indicators that Hamlet understands that his madness or insanity is well intended because he once said to his mother not mad as crazy but I am mad as in crafty. Once again, these are the words of Hamlet describing his madness as a ploy to ensure others never pinpoint his feelings or actions. Hamlet is the true Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because he chose his moments very carefully to diffuse moments of despair, moments of grieving or moments of hurt and moments of suspicion of others.

Conversely, others have some interesting explanations about Hamletsmadness is closely related to the ghost. The observation made is that towards the end of the play certain characters were never mentioned. However, other characters Hamlet had normal relationships with any fits of madness. In addition, it is believed that Hamlets father ghost is a figment of his imagination.The ghost who is Hamlets dad shows up when it is convenient to Hamlet, therefore, it is his imagination. Another indicator that Hamlet is mad is he is the only person that actually talks to the ghost, whichsuggests Hamlet is truly mad(Shmoop University, 2014). The article goes on to point out that Hamlets is mad because he talks to the ghost again when with Gertrude to make sure he is on his best manners. The primary point is Hamlet summons ghost in his madness state of mind, which are brought on by his own paranoia. These arguments have some merit but there is too much evidence that says the contrary. For example, Hamlet sways any future decisions by the king for murders he may commit because he is considered a fool and lunatic even by choice. What better way to get his way with the king by showing his madness which befuddles the kings but more important it keeps the king curious how he can act so insane. In every scene with Hamlet, he is in control whether it be wild and crazy exuberance or just plan madness but nonetheless, it is an act of survival. Hamlet lived in times where one wrong move, one wrong word, or one wrong relationship can cost you your life. It was brilliance to portray this uncontrollable insane man to keep his friends and enemies at arm lengths.

There was other analysis concerning Hamlets madness that comes very close to one of the best explanations or rather excellent observation for Hamlet behavior. According to Branagh (2011), in an open forum it was said that Hamlet purposely baited Gertrude and Claudius into thinking he was very insane so he could see what their reactions, however, when he talks with Horatio Hamlet quickly becomes normal with an indications of being insane. There is no doubt that Hamlet may have been quite eccentric however, his mysterious actions does not constitute madness. On many occasions, Hamlet acted out because of his feelings about the death of his father or the betrayal of Ophelia, which made him act insane in her presence. It is clear that Hamlet was a very wise man that uses his madness as a shield of armor to ward off his enemies and make sure his friends only come so close the burning fire but not enough to be burned. One final person that indicated that Hamlet was truly mad not because of his sanity but because he his response to Ophelia who made him appear mad (Shakespeare Navigator, 2014). There is a plethora of evidence the proves that Hamlet was not mad and his mastery of people could be considered as good as Sherlock Holmes is figuring out what makes people tick.

Works Cited

Branaghs, K. (2011). Was Hamlet mad? Retrieved November 30, 2014 from http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=0024Bq

Mabillard, A. (2014).Hamlets antics disposition. Retrieved November 29, 2014 from http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamlet/antichamlet.html

Mount Vernon Nazarene University. (2014). The Yes, he was mad: side: The No he was sane: side. Retrieved November 28, 2014 from http://nzr.mvnu.edu/faculty/trearick/english/rearick/readings/resource/washemad.htm

Shakespeare Navigator. (2014). Hamlets madness. Retrieved November 28, 2014 from http://shakespeare-navigators.com/hamlet/Madness.html

Shmoop University. (2014). The ghost: Character analysis. Retrieve November 29, 2014 from http://www.shmoop.com/hamlet/ghost.html