Mental State In Hamlet

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The mental state of Hamlet has been a hot topic discussed since the early 17th century. The protagonist’s questionable mental state is one of the primary devices which Shakespeare uses to maintain the audience’s interest. Furthermore it is Hamlet’s arguable sanity which allows Shakespeare to explore themes such as drama, romance, tragedy and in some cases humour, therefore it serves to further develop the plot. In scenes where Hamlet puts on his “antic disposition” his actions and choice of words appear to have method behind them, this is also highlighted by those around Hamlet such as Claudius and Polonius. However as the play progresses Hamlet’s “antic disposition” seems to develop into true insanity, exemplified by the increase in frequency …show more content…
Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me”. In this scene Hamlet is acting quite erratic however conveys to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who are acting as his friends, he is no fool and knows their true liabilities. This scene exemplifies how Shakespeare uses both dialogue and Hamlet’s madness to create drama and conflict within the play. This interaction occurs shortly after Hamlet states “I must be idle”, exposing his intentions of acting mad. Another example of this is Act 3 Scene 2 where Hamlet states “I will speak daggers to her but use none” exemplifying his depth of thought and consciousness, uncharacteristic of one who is mad. …show more content…
[ ] The protagonist is first introduced to the audience during Claudius and Gertrude’s wedding in Act 1 Scene 2, where Hamlet’s depression is first addressed by Claudius “How is it the clouds still hang on you?” Hamlet’s depression initially stems from his father’s death and his mother’s marriage to his uncle, however after seeing the ghost of his deceased father whom requests Hamlet to seek revenge Act 1 Scene 4, his sources of depression grow. It is from this scene forth Hamlet’s thoughts and debates of suicide increase with frequency in his soliloquies, a technique used to allow the audience to see inside the mind of Hamlet, his true emotions and thoughts. “To be, or not to be” Act 3 Scene 1 where Hamlet compares death as a kind sleep, an alternative to suffering “The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” Furthermore, as the audience venture deeper into the play, Hamlet’s mental state appears to be deteriorating, an act developing into insanity, this can be seen in Act 3 Scene 4 where Hamlet kills Polonius after hearing a voice yell for help behind the arras, “How now, a rat? Dead for a ducat, dead!” This act is uncharacteristic of Hamlet who is an existential thinker and someone who thinks about every move prior to making one, however the killing of Polonius was an act committed by Hamlet without a thought of who is
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