Hamlet’s display of Type Two Bipolar Disorder is prevalent in Act Four, where he speaks angrily and furiously in his soliloquy. According to the manual, a person experiencing the hypomanic episode will usually perform rash actions without any prior thinking. The authors of the manual noted that the person in the episode will consider “excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences” (DSM-5 133). Hamlet displays this type of behavior in his soliloquy in Act Four Scene Four. After witnessing the might of Prince Fortinbras’s army and how the prince was willing to sacrifice so many people to gain so little land, Hamlet reflects on how little he has done to avenge his father and notices that time is slowly …show more content…
passing. Hamlet then declares that from now on, he will start killing people to get his way. In his soliloquy, Hamlet said, “Which is not tomb enough and continent/To hide the slain? O, from this time forth/My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!” (IV.
iv. 67-69). Hamlet argues that it is necessary for him to begin killing people, especially King Claudius. It was Claudius that murdered his father, and that needs to be met with death. However, declaring that he will only kill people will only bring more harm to himself and others around him. Hamlet implies that he will not only kill the people responsible for his father’s death, but also innocent people, to fulfill his revenge. A normal-minded person would realize that setting one’s mind to kill and only to kill will have real consequences. It could land a person in jail, or even result in death to him or herself. However, Hamlet’s mind is not functioning properly. His Type Two Bipolar Disorder is preventing him from seeing the consequences of his actions. He completely disregarded the fact that his actions he committed while in his excited state caused the death of an innocent man: Polonius. Even worse, he did not think about the long term effects of Polonius’s death, including the state of Ophelia’s mind. People suffering from Type Two Bipolar Disorder both suffer from major depressive and excited …show more content…
episodes. However, one main feature of Type Two Bipolar Disorder is the often changing state of a person’s mind. Hamlet’s display of Type Two Bipolar Disorder is revealed to everyone through his sudden shift from depressed to hypomanic states in Act Five.
According to the manual, a person suffering from Type Two Bipolar Disorder may switch their personalities at random times, making his or her behavior unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous. While describing the frequency of hypomanic episodes, the authors of the manual noted that the episodes appear as a result of “the major depressive episodes or from a persistent pattern of unpredictable mood changes and fluctuating, unpredictable interpersonal or occupational functioning” (DSM-5 135). Hamlet is seen quickly shifting his personality when he sees his girlfriend Ophelia being buried at a cemetery in front of her brother Laertes and the royal family. After coming back from the ocean, Hamlet wandered in the cemetery and was surrounded by images of death, which puts him in a depressed mood. However, when he saw Ophelia’s funeral possession, Hamlet hid and watched Ophelia being buried. Hamlet was saddened until he saw Laertes, Ophelia’s brother announcing to the possession that he loved Ophelia the most. Angered, Hamlet burst out of his hiding spot and attacked Laertes, telling him that he, not Laertes, loved Ophelia the most. Hamlet said, “Dost thou come here to whine?/To outface me with leaping in her grave?/Be buried quick with her, and so will I” (V.i. 294-296). Hamlet immediately switched personalities because he feels offended and
insulted. Hamlet sees the love of his life being buried, and knows that he will never see her again once the casket is filled with dirt. However, when someone else claims he loves Ophelia the most, it broke Hamlet’s tolerance. Hamlet could not just stand and witness someone who he thinks is lying. As a result, he got into frenzy and fought Laertes. This type of conversion demonstrates one symptom of Type Two Bipolar Disorder. People suffering the disorder tend to be sad and suddenly be aggravated at certain events. If a person is in a depressive state, they will be aggravated or angered at anything, regardless of how large or small the insult or joke is. They will think every joke or insult is towards them. Since Hamlet is suffering from Type Two Bipolar Disorder, he does not realize that Laertes is speaking out of love for Ophelia, not as an attack on Hamlet. Laertes does not even know Hamlet is here until Hamlet reveals himself. It was Hamlet’s mind that caused him to distort Laertes’s words towards an insult, an action only mentally ill people are capable of. Hamlet’s personality and behavior throughout the play mirrors a person suffering from Type Two Bipolar Disorder. Hamlet experiences both depressive and hypomanic or excited episodes throughout the play, with some instances of quick alternation. In his episodes, Hamlet usually contemplates suicide or murder, and sometimes acts violently towards innocent people. A normal-minded person would not go through the events like Hamlet. However, Hamlet’s tragedy reminds everyone that it is important to give mentally disturbed or ill people attention and care. If society does nothing for them, we could have more innocent and prevented murders coming very soon.
A reporter asked John Wayne Gacy why he killed over five young boys, he kindly responded, "I forget my logic when I'm asked this question… The only thing I can remember is… the overriding impulse" (Sheperdson 32). Hamlet always thought things through. He never acted on impulse. He never had time to use impulse, he was always thinking. Hurbage suggest that Hamlet suffer from "lymphatic temperament". Apparently this type of person lacks the "energizing temperament to act". It is easier to think then act. Thus the body clogs the aspirations of the mind. He is very intuitive throughout the play. He thinks logically. Witness this in act two with his "What a piece of work…"(Shakespeare 2.2. 327) and the play that he logically plans. Polonius even believes that Hamlet is sane in act two, "…there is method in 't." (Shakespeare 2.2. 223-24). Hamlet treats Polonius like the fool that he is. Never does Hamlet's impulse to kill Polonius come up. He logically plays mind games with Polonius instead. In the famous closet scene with Gertrude, Hamlet asks his mother to keep his act of lunacy a secret. He tells her he is only putting on an "antic disposition" (Shakespeare 3.4. 64-104). She truly believes that he is sane because she decides not to sleep with Claudius. If she had really believed Hamlet was insane she would have thought nothing of Claudius's guilt and slept with him. Lastly, when Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive to greet Hamlet (Act 2.2) he is totally normal. But, once he finds out they've come to spy on him he puts on his disguise of "antic disposition" so he won't give himself away. "I am but mad, north, north-west. When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw" (Shakespeare 2.
In William Shakespeare 's Hamlet, there are many characters that allow themselves to be manipulated and be consumed by their own emotions. The way that this type of irrational behavior occurs is when Claudius killed Hamlet Sr, this causes a chain reaction of unfortunate events. Gertrude and Claudius plan to immediately marry after the death of the king. On going with the repercussions of the event; Hamlet is later visited by the dead spirit of his father. This happening caused Hamlet to realize that he needed to avenge his dead father by killing Claudius and rightfully taking the throne back after the ghost of his father told him to do so. Along with all the supernatural things that occur Hamlet is faced with technicalities in the Kingdom of Denmark. His love for Ophelia is rebuffed do to Polonius and Laertes insisting to her that Hamlet only wants to be with her for her only for lust. Claudius hires people to spy on Hamlet and report his every move to him. Hamlet attempts to
Shakespeare shows Hamlet is going through many mood changes throughout the play. At times it seems he is depressed, hyper, excited and bad-tempered. People would just come to a conclusion that Hamlet simply just went mad during the play. Although, looking closer and during an examination, it is seen to be that Hamlet is showing clear symptoms to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder.
Hamlet shows signs of depression starting after his father’s death. In the beginning of Hamlet, Hamlet is grieving over his father’s death and resents his new father, Claudius. Hamlet says, “She married. O, most wicked speed to post/ With such dexterity to incestusous sheets!/ It is not, not it cannot come to good./ But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (I.ii.158-161.). Hamlet is unable to escape from his depressive state because of his continuing grudge towards Claudius. Hamlet now not only loathes his new father, but his mother as well for remarrying so quickly and to his father’s, her late husband’s, brother. Hamlet mourning is prolonged and extreme as he continues to wear a dark wardrobe long after his father’s death, unable to accept what has happened and move on with his life. Hamlet’s depressive mood swings are a symptom of his bipolar disorder. According to The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder range from mania (elevated or irritable mood) to depression (a mood characterized by loss of interest and sadness). Symptoms of a depressive episode include, persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood and feelings of irritability, hopelessness, or negativity (Basile)....
There is a great controversy amongst those who have read and studied Hamlet by Shakespeare. People argue whether or not Hamlet had gone mad or not. Many people believe that Hamlet had actually lost his mind, while others believe that it was all just an act. Since Hamlet is the most widely published book in the world, besides the Bible, this question has been asked and analyzed many times to little avail. The answer is open to whatever one wants to believe, which may intrigue some and bother others. Throughout the play, Hamlet’s personality changed after certain events. The play starts with him very upset over his father’s death. Then, after he saw his father’s ghost, he became full of vengeance. He seemed to have completely
Logan Gaertner Mrs. Amon English IV 1 March 2014 Is Hamlet’s Insanity Real? Is Hamlet truly insane? While the play is not extremely clear on the matter and often contradicts itself, many of Hamlet’s wild ramblings and words of nonsense seem to be not the true words of a madman. Hamlet says that he is merely “putting on an antic disposition” (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 181). He admits very early on in the play that his insanity will be nothing more than a ruse to fool those around him.
Hamlet has mood swings as his mood changes abruptly throughout the play. Hamlet appears to act mad when he hears of his father's murder. At the time he speaks wild and whirling words:Why, right; you are I' the right; And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part... [Act I, scene V, lines 127-134]. It seems as if there are two Hamlets in the play, one that is sensitive and an ideal prince, and the insane barbaric Hamlet who from an outburst of passion and rage slays Polonius with no feeling of remorse, Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell! / I took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune;/ Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger.- [Act III. scene IV, lines 31-33] and then talks about lugging his guts into another room. After Hamlet kills Polonius he will not tell anyone where the body is. Instead he assumes his ironic matter which others take it as madness. Not where he eats, but where he is eaten. / A certain convocation of political worms a e'en at him. [Act IV, scene III, lines 20-21]
Displaying an 'antic disposition', Hamlet first attempts to side step his trepidation by feigning madness. After meeting with his fathers proposed ghost, Hamlet attempts to distance himself from the thought or evidence of death. Hamlet notifies his friends, Marcellus and Horatio, of his plan to distract the kingdom from his real intentions. Although Hamlet proposes this as a way to fool those in Denmark, in the last lines of his meeting with Horatio and Marcellus, he curses that this revenge be placed upon him. This is the first indication of Hamlets reluctance to perform murder. Hamlet then returns to Claudius and Gertrude, at the castle, and acts out his madness for them and for the visitor, Polonius. Upon speaking to Polonius, Polonius picks up upon Hamlets 'madness', yet decides that this unnatural nature is because if Ophelia's behavior toward Hamlet. Indication of Hamlets fear is presented when Polonius asks leave of the prince. Hamlet then states that Polonius can take anything from him, anything but his life. Hamlet repeats thrice this idea of taking anything 'except [his] life.' Not only does this indicate how compulsive Hamlets fake insanity is becoming, but how afraid he is of dying. During the 'To be or not to be' soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates his view of death. As he go...
Seemingly, Hamlet portrays a well put together man in the beginning of the play but soon changes emotions when circumstances arise. The emotional fiend acquires multiple traits of Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD, that affects his well-being causing unstable impulses that derive from his circumstances. Although Hamlet may suffer from co-occurring, BPD is the most visible disorder that he compares with throughout this book. BPD affects Hamlet so strongly due to his environmental stress, which comes from his mischievous parents, that gives him less control of his
In Hamlets mind, it is now his duty to avenge his father's murder. This is where the real problem of inaction enters the play. Later that night, Hamlet has a perfect opportunity to kill Claudius, when he sees the King kneeling in prayer. He wonders if this is the time to kill him and get it over with, but decides not to. He claims that he does not want Claudius to go to heaven, so he would rather kill him when he is committing a sin. If this is the case, then why doesn't he simply wait till Claudius has completed his prayer, accuse him of the murder and kill him in his sin of denial. Instead, Hamlet goes to the chamber of his mother and passes up his best opportunity at revenge. The argument can be made, however, that it is not a fear of killing that causes this inaction. He does not display an inability to end someone's life when killing Polonius. He neither hesitates nor capitulates in sending Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their executions. Why then would the prince of Denmark hesitate to kill the one man he most justly could? Many literary believe that his inaction is the result of a vicarious Oedipus complex. Those who concur with this theory say that Hamlet, in his subconscious mind, has a desire to do exactly what his uncle has done; that is, get rid of the king so that he can have Gertrude for himself.
Hamlet, a Shakespearean character, constantly struggles in a battle with his mind. He leads a very trying life that becomes too much for him to handle. Hamlet experiences hardships so horrible and they affect him so greatly that he is unable escape his dispirited mood. In speaking what he feels, Hamlet reveals his many symptoms of depression, a psychological disorder. While others can move on with life, Hamlet remains in the past. People do not understand his behavior and some just assume he is insane. However, Hamlet is not insane. He only pretends to be mad. Because Hamlet never receives treatment for his disorder, it only gets worse and eventually contributes to his death.
At first, Hamlet is successful, and society is convinced Ophelia is the reason for his madness, thus granting Hamlet more time to plot Claudius’s murder. This is achieved in Hamlet’s “to be or not to be speech” [3,1,57] when Claudius and Polonius spy on the conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia. During the Act, Ophelia displays traits of dishonesty and Hamlet uses this to his benefit and appears to go insane to convince Ophelia, Claudius and Polonius that Ophelia is responsible for his madness. Hamlet insists his madness is an “antic disposition” [1,5,179] and that “Thou this be madness, yet there is method in it”. [2,2,204] In the play, Hamlet uses his “antic disposition” [1,5,179] to refuse Ophelia’s affections, which is powerfully portrayed when he exclaims to her “get thee to a nunnery.” [3,1,138] By denying Ophelia’s love, Hamlet’s power in the relationship is effectively demonstrated, and it is shown he is in control of their relationship. In addition, this is reflected in Ophelia’s self-destruction, as she has no purpose to live a life without Hamlet or a man. Overall, Hamlet is successful in using his power over Ophelia for the sake of his
Finally, further evidence of Hamlet's insanity is shown when one compares him with someone who is truly mad, such as Ophelia became after her father died. She began to sing and speak nonsensically, with only "half sense: her speech is nothing"(IV, v, 7). Whereas Ophelia has become unstable, Hamlet carries on a rational progression throughout all of his actions and words.
In the end, their many forms of madness get the best of them, and results in their own deaths whether by another, or by their own hand. One example of Hamlet’s madness is how he mocks Polonius. He would not do so normally because Polonius is older than he is so he would normally treat him with a certain amount of respect which he does not do following the sighting of the ghost of Old Hamlet. The Ghost tells Hamlet of his murder, and to test the truth of what he is told, Hamlet puts on “an antic disposition”. Hamlet manages to convince Polonius that he is inconsiderate of others, knowing that with seeing this odd change in behavior, Polonius will go to the king to tell him of it....