How Is Hamlet Crazy

Hayden Wright

Ms. Evans

English 2332

12-09-16

The Intelligence of Hamlet

Educated, passionate, honorable, persistent, clever, spontaneous, bold, and loyal are a few words to describe Hamlet. Among this list insane, mad, or crazy cannot be found. We all have formed opinions on those around us based off of their words and actions. We often form these opinions without taking the time to understand their reasons and thoughts behind their actions. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, many say Hamlet is mad, but they are wrong. Through his elaborate plan, diction, and thought provoking remarks, Hamlet is proven to be intelligent rather than insane. Hamlet proves he is intelligent rather than insane after he converses with the ghost of his father, King

Hamlet uses these phrases in (II.ii) in response to everything Polonius says to him. These phrases are intended to confuse and subtly insult Polonius, because he has forced his daughter Ophelia to break up with him. Polonius attempts to make small talk with Hamlet who is reading a book. Polonius asks if Hamlet knows who he is. Hamlet replies, “Excellent well. You are a fishmonger.” (II.ii.190) A fishmonger is one who deals fish on the docks. By labeling Polonius a fishmonger, Hamlet is most certainly declaring that he is a pimp. Hamlet believes he is a pimp because he has forced Ophelia to break up with as a way of pleasing the king. Therefore Polonius benefits by dealing his daughter's happiness. Polonius does not understand this reference and persists in making conversation. Polonius asks what Hamlet is reading about. Hamlet responds to his question by telling him the book is about elder men who have, “Gray beards,” “Wrinkled faces,” and “Plentiful lack of wit. (II.ii.214). The book does not actually say this, Hamlet is implying that Polonius is old, wrinkly, and dumb. Polonius still does not understand these insults are directed at him, which supports Hamlets point that he is rather dumb. Polonius lastly asks if Hamlet would like to “Walk out of this air.” Polonius is asking Hamlet if he would like to go somewhere warmer to sit down and have a one on one conversation. To this Hamlet asks,

Hamlet is surprised and delighted to see them. They quickly catch up and discuss all the tragedies that have occurred recently in the kingdom. Hamlet reveals his intelligence when he debates with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about their true purpose of visiting him. Hamlet knows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are visiting him because his mother, Queen Gertrude, has summoned them to spy on him and report back to her on his condition, because he was been in a constant state of depression ever since his father died. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern lie and say are here for the sole purpose of visiting him, but when Hamlet claims to know the difference between a “Hawk from a handsaw,” meaning he is not a fool and can tell their true purpose for visiting him. They quickly confess that they were called upon by Queen Gertrude to bring him out of his gloomy state of mind. Shakespeare included this scene in the play because it proves Hamlet is intelligent and able to cut through the lies he is being fed by Queen Gertrude and King Claudius. Where as if he were mad, he would have likely fallen into their