Why Is Hamlet Crazy

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“…I will be brief. Your noble son is mad. /“Mad” call I it, for, to define true madness, / what is ‘t but to be nothing else but mad? / But let that go,” States Polonius (II.II. 93-96) In Shakespeare’s classic play, Hamlet, many people argue to whether or not Hamlet is mad or heartbroken. Madness is known to be a serious ill, or to be crazy. The play has many points where Hamlets’ madness is questioned, and many people do believe that he is mad; however, others are convinced it’s all for illusion. In the beginning of the play Hamlet puts on an act like he’s mad, but when his life takes a turn for the worst his fake madness turns into something a lot more real. In the opening of the play, Hamlet states that he must, “…perchance hereafter …show more content…

After finding out his step dad Claudius, also his Uncle, killed his father Hamlet becomes very distraught. Hamlet accidently kills Polonius, and without any thought of it he acts like didn’t do a thing wrong. Hamlet thought Polonius was Claudius behind the curtain, and has no sorrow after killing him, “…took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune…” (III.IV.33). He thinks of the death of Polonius is unimportant and that is doesn’t matter to anyone. This scene is a big game changer for Hamlets’ madness, after having many chances to kill his original victim, Claudius, he refuses. Hamlet is worried that Claudius’ sins will be forgiven before he dies, so Hamlets theory is to wait until he sins again. Hamlet wants his soul to be, “…damned and black/ as hell…” so that he rots in purgatory forever (III.III.95-96). Hamlet believes that because his father was not forgiven for all of his sins before he died, that Claudius should suffer the same. It should not matter how bad a person has done, a sane person should never wish for a person to rot in hell. This is the turning point where I strongly believe Hamlet has turned mad, and can’t go back to himself

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