Hamlet Madness Analysis

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After thoroughly analysing the tragic play of Hamlet written by Shakespeare, I have concluded that Hamlet only ever pretends to be mad.

A.C. Bradley’s view is that what the audience see as madness in Hamlet is really only his melancholy. This is very different from the madness which Hamlet feigns, as when he is alone or in the company of Horatio exhibit any signs of madness. I would argue a similar view because I believe that the sudden death of Hamlet’s farther, and the quick marriage of his mother with his uncle, would certainly make a huge impact on his life. It is evident that he struggles to come in terms with this new situation, and relationship. This is supported by the text; Hamlet says “ For, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, …show more content…
I continue to strongly agree with this statement. Through Hamlet’s soliloquy we are able to understand his nature to overthink the simplest things. “But for a hope of something after death?” (Act III, Scene I). In one of soliloquy Hamlet explores the universal and timeless question about the purpose of life and the nature of death. This shows how intellectual Hamlet really is and that his thoughts are much broader. I personally think that this characteristic makes Hamlet capable of becoming insane as he is often not able to find the answer to his question, not only does this make him frustrated, but also indecisive of his actions. Hamlet’s will to always take moral and well though decisions make him indecisive, this is evident when Hamlet does not take revenge on Claudius till the very end of the play, even after he has proof that Claudius killed his father. “I am pigeon-livered and lack gall” (Act II, Scene II). This shows Hamlet’s lack of action, and his disappointment in himself as a result. It is also evident that Hamlet is not able to share any of his melancholy with anyone and suffers on his own, “But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (Act 1, Scene 2). Therefore I strongly agree that Hamlet could become insane later on as a result of his given characteristics, in a melancholic circumstance where he is unable to share his sufferings with …show more content…
Paul A. Jorgensen argues that his mental state before the third act was due to his suppressed anger towards his mother, and this comes to end when he confronts his mother in the end of Act Three. I believe that this is a very logical explanation as in the beginning of the play Hamlet’s soliloquy is evident of his inner anger which he expresses at himself. “Why, what an ass am I!” (Act II, Scene II). This shows us how he is self blaming and even self abusive in his expressions. Throughout the play it is obvious that Hamlet has ongoing inner conflicts, and I believe that his treatment of Ophelia is the point where we realise that he is not truly angry at himself or Ophelia, but his mother. In the encounter between Ophelia and Hamlet, Hamlet treats her very harshly and accuses her of not being honest. “Get thee to a nunnery…God has given you one face, and you make yourselves another.” (Act III, Scene I). Her Hamlet is expressing his suppressed anger towards his mother, who he feels has been unfaithful and incestuous when she married his
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