Sanity And Insanity In Hamlet

In modern times, the word “insane” is used very loosely. It is used to describe someone who does not fit into society’s definition of the “normal” person. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, many readers are led to believe that Prince Hamlet has become insane due to his stunning performance of a mad man. However, the way that Hamlet conducts himself throughout the play after many misfortunes shows not only his sanity, but also his adept way of thinking in which he fabricates madness in order to get closer to his enemies. In order to fully understand Hamlet’s motives, one must properly define insanity. Marriam- Webster’s dictionary defines insanity as an unsoundness of the mind or a lack of understanding, usually occurring as a specific disorder. Despite all the tragedy in the young Prince’s life, he is able to maintain a clear and levelheaded mindset while facing various adversities. The vast amount of intellect he uses throughout the play speaks volumes for his state of mind. He is constantly thinking, and questioning new concepts throughout the play. All of these things that Hamlet evidently displays directly contradict whether Hamlet is truly insane or just feigning madness.

Prince Hamlet’s critical and rational way of thinking shows his ability to understand concepts and consider things in greater depth than an unstable mind could. When he is able to wrap his mind around something that others may find unfathomable, it gives him an advantage because he is able to reach higher levels of thinking that others cannot obtain. When he first sees Rosencrantz and Guildenstern he says:

What (a) piece of work is man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and mov- ing how express and admirable; in action how like an ange...

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...d quickly, or perhaps feeling betrayed because his uncle killed his own brother – he is far from insane. Throughout the play, he constantly conducts himself in a manner that shows how he has meticulously thought through every action and word he has ever said or done. He feigns madness only to get closer to the people who have hurt him. He is able to maintain a clear head and rationally think things through, even in the hardest of times. He uses his judgment wisely which coincides with his great intellectual capacity. Furthermore, he constantly adapts to his surroundings to grasp concepts to help better his understanding of what is happening; in not just his problems but in everything. One must truly embrace the brilliance of Hamlet’s character because to label Hamlet as insane, takes away from the whole purpose of him fabricating his madness in the first place.