Hamlet Bipolar Disorder Analysis

Bipolar disorder can make everyday up and downs seem as severe as flying up Mount Everest and then falling into the Grand Canyon. Hamlet, of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet demonstrates several symptoms of bipolar disorder throughout the course of the play. His irritable mood is evident immediately, his obsession with completing impossible goals and excessive involvement in dangerous behaviors ultimately lead to his death, and his shift from manic to depressive phases are as obvious as a scene change.
Throughout the Shakespearian tragedy, it is made obvious from the beginning that Hamlet is distraught about his father’s untimely death. “'Tis not alone my inky cloak… That can denote me truly.” (I.2) Hamlet is making it known that however sorrowful he appears on the outside is nowhere near as miserable as he is on the inside. Hamlet is angered easily and without any real

states that “The mood disturbance [bipolar disorder] is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in occupational functioning or in usual social activities or relationships with others.” This is evident in all of Hamlet’s

As soon as Hamlet learns, from the ghost of his dead father, that his uncle is to blame for the King’s sudden death he becomes obsessed with vengeance. He concludes that not only must he kill his King uncle but that others must also be made aware of his treacherous actions against Denmark. While on his mission to avenge his father’s death he is faced with the perfect opportunity while his uncle is in prayer. However, he decides that he must send him to Hell and not Heaven,
HAMLET: Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent.
When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,
Or in th’ incestuous pleasure of his bed,
At game a-swearing, or about some act
That has no relish of salvation in’t-
Then trip him, that his heels may kick at