Essay On Madness In Hamlet

To be in a state of madness is to be in a state of mental illness. One who is described as being mad often presents a sense of danger to themselves or others, experiences delusional behaviour such as hallucinations as well as lacks the ability to comprehend simple skills such as reasoning. This state of decline in characters ability to act with reason and understanding is seen in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet. Over the course of the play Hamlet’s mental wellbeing beings to deteriorate, leading him away from his previous state of intellect. His progressive lack of philosophical thought process, abrupt mood changes and actions evidently show his declension into madness. It is with regards to Hamlets late father’s murder as well as the impeding revenge he must commit that lead to his impending demise. As a result of Hamlets inner thoughts and actions that his madness can be

Hamlet is very irrational in the choices he makes. Hamlet insists he has been “In continual practice” (V.II.225) since Laertes has been in France. This rash decision to fight Laertes is not well thought out and will lead to both men’s deaths. Hamlet killing Polonius has a great effect on his daughter. “Poor Ophelia/ Divided from herself and her fair judgement” (IV.V.91), it is clear that Hamlet is to blame for Ophelia’s madness because he ruined their love and her family. Hamlet agreeing to fence Laertes is what leads to the demise of the Royal “We” (I.II.102), as well as the deaths of Laertes and himself. Hamlet tries to reason his illogical decision stating, “If it be/ {now,}’tis not to come, if it be not to come, it will be/now; if it not now, yet it {will} come” (V.II.234-237). This mockery of an intelligent statement shows Hamlet’s defeat to fate and his forfeit into death. It is because of Hamlet’s madness that his actions lead to the death of himself and those around