Hamlets Madness

Hamlet's sanity is clarified, in the first act, by statements and feelings expressed within his dialogue. When asked about his depressed appearance and demeanor by Gertrude, Hamlet replies, "Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not "seems" (1037, line 76). This relates the idea that Hamlet is 'what he appears to be'. Later, he clearly makes a statement about his mental health when he commits himself to avenge his father's murder. This quote allows th

After Hamlet backs out of killing Claudius, he says to his mother "O shame, where is thy blush?" (1104, line 85). Here, he is voicing his displeasure for his mother not only marrying his uncle, but for not being true to herself. Again, Hamlet is contradicting himself. He has been-throughout the first two-thirds of this play-ambiguous and untrue to himself. At this juncture, he is still uncertain as to how to proceed. Hamlet is caught in his inner turmoil of acting out his role, and objectivity. Finally, Hamlet's thoughts and actions are placed in order, and he makes the decision to uphold the destiny his father had proclaimed. Hamlet makes this momentous decision while watching the soldiers going off to battle, "The imminent death of twenty thousand men That for fantasy and a trick of fame, Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause, Which is not tomb enough and continent To hide the slain? O, from this time forth My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!" (1116, line 62).

Before the play is performed, Hamlet has an intercourse with Ophelia, and offers some prophetic statements, "To be, or not to be...". Clearly, in this most famous Shakespeare soliloquy, Hamlet displays thoughts of self that questions the worth of living. Moreover, Hamlet recognizes the importance of his affections towards Ophelia, and in regards to Ophelia's beauty, Hamlet states "That if you be honest and fair, your honesty should admit no discourse to your beauty" (1083, line 108). Clearly, Hamlet is saying that indeed, Ophelia can be honest and fair, however; it is virtually impossible to link these two traits, since 'fairness' is an outward trait, while 'honesty' is an inward trait. He further states "A, truly, for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd that the force of honesty can translate beauty into his likeness" (1083, line 112).

In this scene, while Hamlet is advising the player on how his lines should be read, he says "Suit the action to the word, the word to the action" (1086, line 15). If only Hamlet would follow his own advice, would his conflict be subdued. This illustrates the inconsistency within Hamlet, since he maintains separation between word and actions, while advocating that others should not. Hamlet then appraises Horatio for his objectivity and consistency. He also compliments Horatio for being true to himself, not being a role player with, "Give me that man That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee" (1088, line 63). At this point, Hamlet has decided he wants Horatio to watch Claudius at the play. Hamlet remains uncertain as to his uncle's guilt; moreover, he needs proof. He wants the proof from someone he admires and trusts. Hamlet says to Horatio "Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt Do not itself unkernnel on one speech, It is a damned ghost we have seen" (1088, line 72).

In act two, Hamlet is again prompted towards vengeance-this time by a poignant speech delivered by one of the players. Hamlet responds to this dialogue with, "What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba,

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