Why Is Hamlet Crazy

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The Conclusions of Hamlet’s Insanity
To be, or not to be, that is the question. When regarding Hamlet by William Shakespeare, there are many discussions to whether or not Hamlet is considered crazy. This quote from Shweta Bali, gives a definition of insanity. “Insanity is defined as ‘mental illness or derangement’ perpetuating ravings, loss of reason, dementia, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations and schizophrenia” (2). Based on this definition, Hamlet is crazy because of his hallucinations, his paranoia, and his psychosis.
Throughout the entire play, Hamlet has had many encounters with his hallutions. In Act Three, Scene Four, Hamlet is having a conversation with the ghost of his father, however he is the only one that can see him.
“Gertrude …show more content…

Hamlet
Upon my sword
Marcellus
We have sworn, my lord, already”
Hamlet
Indeed, upon my sword,indeed” (Shakespeare I.iv. 143-150).
After Hamlet has his conversation with the ghost, he shows an automatic distrust with Horatio and Mercutio, one of which being his closest friend. This quote is one of the first instances where Hamlet begins to question the reliability of the people that he’s surrounded by. While this may be the one of the first times this happens, it is only the beginning of many, many more. In the following quote, another example of how Hamlet is less trusting of people is shown.
“Hamlet
...Be even and direct with me whether you were sent for or no.
Rosencrantz
What say you?
Hamlet
Nay,then,I have an eye of you - If you love me, hold not off”(Shakespeare II.ii.272-276).
In this quote, Hamlet is talking to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and he expresses the fact that the two excuses for comic relief could not be trusted. When Hamlet asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern why they came back to Denmark, he automatically jumped to the conclusion that the two of them were lying to him. Hamlet’s paranoia and his distrust in the people that he’s surrounded with, shows the beginning signs of his …show more content…

Hamlet believes that everyone in the castle is working against him to try and stop whatever he’s planning to do. However that is not the case, and he seems to turn on people that used to be very close to him. “All the rage that Hamlet takes out on Ophelia and Gertrude is often interpreted as being symptomatic of his degenerating mind” (Bali 5). This quote shows that Hamlet was using his madness to hurt the people that he once cared for deeply. Even though Hamlet once cared for these people, because of his slow-developing insanity, he was willing to hurt them. While Hamlet was in a process of dissociation, not only was he mentally distancing himself from those most dear to him, he was spiraling further and further from all elements of reality. Each mad action the Hamlet executed was propelling himself deeper into chaos, as is defined in the following quote. “Unable to perceive and accept reality, the afflicted individual tries to avoid or negate the harsh reality” (Bali 2). This quote relates to Hamlet as he begins to slowly confuse his “reality” with what is truly going on. In many scenes, Hamlet is seen interacting with the ghost. However, in the later encounters, it is shown that no one else is able to see it. The fact that Hamlet cannot recognise the difference between what is reality and what isn’t, goes to prove the existence of his

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