Hamlet's Mental State Essay

Hamlets mental state is always in question because he does not express himself in the same manner as other; thus, the other characters isolate him due to his mental abilities and their inability to control his emotions.

Polonius believes Ophelia and Hamlets past relationship and how she let go of his love causes Hamlets insanity. I will be brief. Your noble son is mad. Mad I call it (2.2.36). Polonius explains to the Queen, Gertrude, of his beliefs about Hamlet; in addition, he reads some of the poems Hamlet writes for Ophelia, but paints Hamlet in a negative way and her as a victim. Polonius does not understand Hamlets ideas which show Hamlets educational dominance over Polonius. [Polonius] I did enact Julius Caesar. I was killed i the Capitol. Brutus killed me/ [Hamlet] It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there (3.2.60). Hamlet uses puns in the last quote and also Shakespeare gives a historical allusion which helps display the idea present about the two while displaying the theme of miscommunication. The previous quote showcases situational irony towards Polonius because Caesar was a good leader while Poloniuss leadership skills are poor.

Claudius and Polonius share opinions about Hamlet; yet, Claudius believes Hamlet threatens the throne. Arm you, I pray you, to this speedy voyage, for we will fetters put about this fear. Which now goes to free-footed (3.3.69) The King illustrates this fear as Hamlet and implies they will send him on a voyage so Hamlet can not interrupt the throne.[To Laertes] Strengthen your patience in our last nights speech; well put the matter to the present push (5.2.109). Claudius reminds Laertes of the pack they made, and they will take action to get rid of Hamlet. Claudiuss fear of Hamlet taking over the throne leads him to betray Hamlet and shows the themes of betrayal, and grief.

Gertrude blames Hamlets insanity on herself because of her quick marriage after her past-husbands death. I doubt it is no other but the main: His fathers death and our oerhasty marriage (2.2.35). Hamlet Seniors death and the marriage of Claudius and Gertrude happens within a two month period, which presents the theme of lapse of time occurring. That your good beauties be the happy cause of Hamlets wildness (3.1.52). Gertrude also includes Ophelia as one of the reasons for Hamlets insanity; thus, she admits females help aid him into this mode. Hamlet Seniors Ghost presents itself while in the presence of Hamlet and Gertrude, but Gertrude can not see it. Hamlet speaks to the Ghost, but since she can not see the Ghost, she really believes Hamlet has become crazy, Alas, hes mad (3.4.75). The situation present gives off the theme of supernatural events.

Ophelia expresses no true emotions toward Hamlet because she follows what her father tells her. As I was sewing in my closet, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbraced, no hat upon his head, his stockings fould, ungarterd and down-gyved to his ankle (2.1.31). Hamlet enters Ophelias room half naked, but does not speak and this gives her a weird feeling about Hamlet mental state. Soon, they attend the play and Hamlet begins acting rude to Ophelia and she responds You are keen, my lord, you are keen (3.2.64). Later, she thinks her denial of his letters and herself cause his emotional trauma. In the next few years, Ophelia believes Hamlet dies in England and begins singing which implies all of her true emotions. Tomorrow is Saint Valentines day, all in the morning bedtime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine (4.5.88). Ophelias tone represents sadness because she lost her love.

Each character believes Hamlets insanity in different ways. Claudius believes his insanity was because Hamlet wants the throne. Gertrude, on the other hand, believes it is because of her quick marriage after his fathers death. The various personalities think of different behaviors that represent Hamlets insanity; thus, Hamlets mental state may be more unstable as they think.