Hamlet: Hamlets Sanity :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

hamlet junctures Sanity          Great wits be sure to madness near allied, and thin partitions dotheir bounds divide. though John Drydens quote was not made in regard toWilliam Shakespeargons critical point, it relates in truth well to the argument ofwhether or not Hamlet went insane. When a theatrical role such as Hamlet is underscrutiny, it can sometimes be difficult to determine what conjure up he is in at accompaniment moments in the play. Nonetheless, Hamlet merely belies to beinsane so that he can calculate his moves according to the situation athand.         There are many situations throughout the play that are enough tobring Hamlet to insanity. Take, for example, Act IV, scene II, afterPoloniuss death. Hamlets day has been hectic he in conclusion determines thatClaudius has killed his father. The chance to kill Claudius confronts him,and he comes very close to convincing Gertrude that Claudius kill ed hisfather. Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius and finally, the ghost of hisfather visits him. Though at this point these situations fabricate plenty ofreasons for Hamlet to be insane, he remains sharp and credible. Hamletconcocts this state of madness...his intellect remains clear, his discoursesound and comprehensive, (Harris, p. 129).         Hamlet reveals to his friends and his sustain of his plans topretend act insane. He tells Horatio that he is going to feign madness,and that if Horatio notices any odd behavior from Hamlet, it is becausehe is putting on an act. (I, v). Hamlet also tells his mother that he isnot mad, but mad in craft. (III, iv). In add-on to his confessions,Hamlets madness only manifests itself when he is in the presence ofcertain characters. When Hamlet is around Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude,Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, he behaves irrationally. When Hamletis around Horatio, Bernardo, Francisco, The Players and t he Gravediggers,he behaves rationally (Bevington, p. 59).         most of the characters themselves come to realize that Hamlet isnot mad. Claudius confesses that Hamlets actions although strange, do not protrude to stem from madness. (III, i). In addition, Polonius admits thatHamlets actions and words have a method to them on that point appears to be areason behind them, they are logical in nature. (II, ii).         Hamlet is also able to make smart remarks to Rosencrantz andGuildenstern, comparing them to sponges. When he (Claudius) needs what youhave gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again,(     ). This is stochastic and unexpected, as many of his actions, but thecomparison makes sense Rosencrantz and Guildenstern soak up all the kings