Madness and Insanity in Shakespeare's Hamlet - Hamlet's Madness

Hamlet's Madness

`What is madness? Is someone mad merely because they are different, and

do they in return see the same about the world? The dictionary defines madness

as, “1. the state of being mad; insanity. 2. senseless folly. 3. frenzy;

rage. 4. intense excitement or hilarity.” Though is there a difference

between madness and wrath or rage? Was Hamlet mad, or was it one big act in

order to give reason for his irrational actions and to keep his vengeful motives

confidential?

In Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet, these questions are continually asked

and some are answered. Hamlet, the protagonist, has lost his father by murder,

and is urged to seek vengeance by his father who appears to him as a ghost.

This raises the first bit of suspicion of madness. Hamlet talks with his father

and is told,

Hamlet: If thou didst ever thy dear father love-

Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.

Most would say that the fact that he saw the ghost of his dead father would

be enough to warrant that he is insane. The only fact that hinders this

observation is the fact that others saw the ghost as well and were even the ones

who told young Hamlet of his appearance.

Many may see Hamlet being insane only by the worldly view of him being

different. Though towards the end of the play in Act III, Gertrude calls her son

to her chambers to discuss the reasoning of his putting on a play so closely

related to the death of his father. She tells him how upset Claudius is and is

weary of Hamlet's recent actions. At this Hamlet explodes on his mother and

threatens to kill her. Gertrude cries for help, and Pilonius answers this cry.

Hamlet runs him through with his rapier without even thinking. Hamlet tells her

to report to Claudius this message:

Gertrude: Mad as the sea and wind when both contend

Which is mightier. In his lawless fit,

Behind the arras hearing something stir,

Whips out his rapier, cries “A rat, a rat,”

And in this brainish apprehension kills

The unseen good old man.

This incident shows Hamlet's wanting others to think that he is truly mad. But

was it his insanity that brought about the rash action of killing the unknown

man behind the tapestry or was it his postponed revenge that consumed him. Is

there a difference?

Hamlet in many incidence's tells people of his insanity, he tells

Guildenstern that he is mad.

Guildenstern: My lord, we were sent for.