is hamlet's madness real or fake essay

The Psychology of Hamlet: Real or Pretend Madness?

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated audiences for centuries. One of the main themes of the play is the psychological state of the protagonist, Hamlet. Throughout the play, Hamlet’s behavior is erratic and unpredictable, leading many to question whether his madness is real or just an act. This question has fascinated scholars, psychologists, and literature enthusiasts alike, with many different theories and interpretations being proposed over the years. Some argue that Hamlet’s madness is genuine, while others believe it to be a carefully crafted facade to achieve his ultimate goal. The psychology of Hamlet has been the subject of much debate and analysis, with many searching for deeper meaning and insight into the character’s motivations and actions. In this article, we will delve into the world of Hamlet and explore the various theories surrounding his mental state, ultimately seeking to answer the question: is Hamlet truly mad or just pretending?

Theories on Hamlet’s Madness – Real or Pretend

One of the primary theories surrounding Hamlet’s mental state is that his madness is genuine. This theory suggests that Hamlet’s erratic behavior is a result of his grief and loss following his father’s death. According to this theory, Hamlet’s madness is a manifestation of his overwhelming emotions, causing him to act impulsively and irrationally. Supporters of this theory often point to Hamlet’s interactions with the ghost of his father, arguing that his experiences with the supernatural have driven him to the brink of insanity.

Another theory suggests that Hamlet’s madness is a carefully crafted facade intended to achieve his ultimate goal. This theory argues that Hamlet’s erratic behavior is a calculated strategy designed to mask his true intentions and motives. Supporters of this theory often point to Hamlet’s interactions with other characters in the play, arguing that his behavior is inconsistent and contradictory, suggesting that his madness is not genuine.

Evidence for Hamlet’s Real Madness

Those who support the theory that Hamlet’s madness is genuine often point to his interactions with other characters in the play as evidence. For example, Hamlet’s behavior towards Ophelia is erratic and unpredictable, suggesting that his madness is a result of his overwhelming emotions. Additionally, Hamlet’s soliloquies throughout the play demonstrate his inner turmoil and confusion, suggesting that he is genuinely struggling with his mental state.

Furthermore, the fact that Hamlet’s madness persists throughout the play is seen as evidence that it is genuine. If Hamlet’s madness were merely a facade, it would be expected to disappear once he had achieved his ultimate goal. However, Hamlet’s madness only intensifies as the play progresses, suggesting that it is a genuine manifestation of his emotions.

Evidence for Hamlet’s Pretend Madness

Those who support the theory that Hamlet’s madness is a carefully crafted facade also have their own set of evidence. One of the primary pieces of evidence is Hamlet’s interactions with other characters in the play, particularly his conversations with Polonius. During these interactions, Hamlet’s behavior is inconsistent and contradictory, suggesting that he is deliberately attempting to confuse and deceive those around him.

Additionally, Hamlet’s soliloquies throughout the play demonstrate a level of self-awareness that is inconsistent with genuine madness. Hamlet is able to reflect on his own behavior and motivations, suggesting that he is not completely disconnected from reality.

Furthermore, the fact that Hamlet is able to carry out complex plans and strategies, such as the play within a play, is seen as evidence that his madness is not genuine. If Hamlet were truly mad, it would be expected that he would not be able to carry out such intricate plans.

The Psychological Impact of Grief and Loss on Hamlet

Regardless of whether Hamlet’s madness is genuine or pretend, there is no denying the profound impact that grief and loss have had on his psyche. Hamlet’s father’s death has left him feeling lost and alone, struggling to come to terms with his emotions. The fact that Hamlet is unable to express his grief openly, due to societal expectations, only adds to his inner turmoil.

Furthermore, the fact that Hamlet is unable to trust those around him, due to the political machinations at play in the court, only exacerbates his feelings of isolation and despair. The psychological toll of grief and loss on Hamlet is evident throughout the play, and is a central theme in his character development.

The Role of Societal Expectations in Hamlet’s Behavior

Another important factor to consider when examining the psychology of Hamlet is the role of societal expectations in his behavior. Hamlet is a member of the royal court, with a set of expectations and obligations that he is expected to fulfill. However, these expectations are often at odds with his own desires and motivations, leading to a sense of inner conflict.

Furthermore, the fact that Hamlet is unable to express his emotions openly, due to societal expectations surrounding masculinity, only adds to his sense of frustration and isolation. The pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations is a significant factor in Hamlet’s behavior, and is a theme that runs throughout the play.

The Significance of the Play’s Ending

The ending of Hamlet is a topic of much debate and analysis, with many different interpretations being proposed. One popular interpretation is that the play’s ending represents a resolution of Hamlet’s inner conflict and a restoration of order to the court. In this interpretation, Hamlet’s madness is seen as a necessary step in his character development, allowing him to confront his emotions and ultimately achieve his goal.

Another interpretation suggests that the play’s ending represents a tragic conclusion to Hamlet’s story. In this interpretation, Hamlet’s madness is seen as a manifestation of his overwhelming emotions, leading to his eventual downfall. Regardless of the interpretation, the ending of Hamlet is a significant factor in understanding the psychology of the play’s protagonist.

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Comparison to Other Literary Works with Characters Exhibiting Madness

The theme of madness is a common one in literature, with many other works featuring characters struggling with their mental state. One of the most famous examples is Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” which features a narrator who becomes increasingly unstable and erratic. Another example is Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” which explores the effects of isolation and confinement on a woman’s mental state.

Comparing Hamlet to other literary works with characters exhibiting madness can provide insight into the psychology of the play’s protagonist. It also highlights the universal nature of the theme of madness, and the enduring appeal of characters struggling with their mental state.

Modern-Day Interpretations of Hamlet’s Mental State

The question of whether Hamlet’s madness is real or pretend is one that continues to fascinate scholars and fans of the play alike. In recent years, modern-day interpretations of Hamlet’s mental state have emerged, with many taking a more nuanced approach to the character’s behavior.

Some argue that Hamlet’s madness is a combination of both genuine emotion and a carefully crafted facade, suggesting that his mental state is more complex than previously thought. Others argue that the question of whether Hamlet is truly mad or just pretending is beside the point, and that the play’s true significance lies in its exploration of grief, loss, and the human condition.

Conclusion on the Psychology of Hamlet

The psychology of Hamlet is a complex and multifaceted topic, with many different theories and interpretations being proposed. Whether Hamlet’s madness is genuine or pretend is a question that has fascinated scholars and fans of the play for centuries, and is likely to continue to do so for many years to come.

What is clear is that Hamlet’s mental state is a central theme in the play, and is a reflection of the profound impact that grief and loss can have on the human psyche. The role of societal expectations in Hamlet’s behavior, as well as the significance of the play’s ending, further highlight the complexity and depth of Shakespeare’s masterpiece.

Ultimately, the question of whether Hamlet is truly mad or just pretending is one that may never be definitively answered. However, the enduring appeal of the play and its protagonist lies in its exploration of the human condition, and the universal nature of the themes it explores.

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Madness in Shakespeares Hamlet

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Published: Mar 14, 2024

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Hamlet Madness Essay

Hamlet’s madness is a key element to the play Hamlet. Hamlet, the protagonist of Hamlet, becomes depressed and horrified after discovering that his uncle Claudius has murdered his father and married Hamlet’s mother. Hamlet seeks revenge on Claudius for this transgression but feels like he has lost all agency because he can’t be sure if people are lying or telling him the truth. His refusal to make any decisions based on anything other than absolute certainty destroys everything around him until Hamlet finally goes mad himself and dies as a result of complications brought about by pneumonia.

Hamlet’s Madness While it seems likely that Hamlet becomes insane mostly due to grief, guilt and regret (all exacerbated by being ignored by his father, betrayed by his mother and uncle, forced to stay in the same house as the murderer of Hamlet’s father, etc), Hamlet does show symptoms consistent with mental illness in early scenes. For example, Hamlet sees Claudius praying and has “A lunatic could not be so proud / A madman would not hear it” (II. ii. 298-99) because Hamlet knows that Claudius killed Hamlet’s father but Claudius is praying for forgiveness from a man that he murdered.

Another symptom of Hamlet’s madness is Hamlet’s overreaction to Polonious death when he stabs through a curtain at him once he realizes that it isn’t actually the king who had been eavesdropping on Hamlet and Ophelia. Hamlet also claims to be “A dull and muddy-mettled rascal” (I. ii. 132), a lack of will to do anything after learning that his father is dead and Hamlets inability to accept what is happening around him as reality (thinking that Claudius was praying) all suggest Hamlet’s madness throughout the play.

Hamlet does not go mad immediately after discovering Claudius’ crime however; Hamlet has clearly been contemplating this for most of the play, especially since he is already thinking about such things before meeting his father’s ghost at the beginning of the play. Hamlet thinks about death and revenge almost constantly throughout the entirety of Hamlet, so it seems unlikely that he would flip out the minute he hears that his father was killed.

Hamlet simply can’t make decisions for himself, and Hamlet spends most of the play looking for the reason why Claudius would murder Hamlet’s father if it wasn’t for Hamlet’s death; because Hamlet has still not made a decision on what to do after he has discovered the truth about his uncle Claudius, Hamlet does not move forward and instead must take time to “catch [his] breath” (I. v. 43). Hamlet often seems very confused in early scenes of Hamlet, which is understandable considering that Hamlet’s father dies at the beginning of the play, right in front of him.

Hamlet’s inability to cope with this compounded by everything else going on around Hamlet results in Hamlet’s madness. Although Hamlet’s father is dead, Hamlet does have other family members around him throughout the play who could have helped Hamlet cope with his loss. While Hamlet’s mother remarries soon after Hamlet’s father’s death, she has an opportunity to discuss this with Hamlet before announcing it at a public event which can be seen as very rude without speaking to Hamlet about it first. Laertes also returns from France prematurely for his sister’s funeral so he could have been there for support if needed.

Both of these characters are related to Hamlet and know what Hamlet has gone through recently; Claudius knows that killing someone’s parent would look bad but he probably did not understand how much grief this would cause Hamlet. Hamlet’s mother, on the other hand, should know firsthand how Hamlet would react to losing his father especially since Hamlet was already very upset before he saw Claudius praying. Even after Hamlet learns that his uncle murdered his father, Hamlet is still not completely sure of what to do for almost half the play until Laertes goes crazy with grief which pushes Hamlet into action.

This long period where Hamlet has trouble deciding what to do suggests mental illness or at least heavy grief and stress. Rosenthal notes that Hamlet’s madness doesn’t have any effect on him throughout most of the play except during Act V when it becomes clear that “the weight of all these past months descends upon Hamlet” and Hamlet finally understands the consequence of what he has been planning. Hamlet’s death in this scene is described as “gently, even graciously,” which shows that Hamlet is at peace with himself and accepting of his fate.

Hamlet’s madness throughout Hamlet usually demonstrates Hamlet’s struggle to cope and understand what’s going on around him but it does not usually affect his actions until the end of Hamlet when Hamlet realizes how much time has passed while he was delayed in avenging his father’s death. After all the other characters are dead, Hamlet dies speaking to Horatio about Fortinbras marching through Denmark after Hamlet’s death which could be a reference to Fortinbras’ against Poland during which Fortinbras takes Hamlet’s words, “the readiness is all” (V. ii. 98) to mean that Hamlet wished his death to be as convenient for Fortinbras as possible.

Hamlet uses this quote earlier in the play when he tells Horatio not to reveal Hamlet’s plan to kill Claudius until after it has happened because Hamlet wants everything set up before he reveals himself again. Not everyone views Hamlet’s madness as physical, though. For example, Peter Ure argues that Hamlet’s madness was caused by opium instead of grief and stress, which could provide an alternate explanation for Hamlet’s behavior throughout the play including during Act V where Hamlet finally sees the consequences of what he has done so far.

However, Hamlet’s very traditional views on death suggest that Hamlet is not the type of person to seek out drugs for pleasure. Hamlet references heaven and hell multiple times throughout Hamlet which shows Hamlet’s strong belief in afterlife. Hamlet also mentions superstition multiple times regarding ghosts and describes “the dread of something after death” (III. i. 78) as one reason Hamlet’s father’s spirit cannot rest which suggests Hamlet does not want to risk dying because he would not be able to go to heaven if he kills himself.

The only time Hamlet questions his beliefs is during his conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern where he is trying to figure out what they know about him but this conversation is less about Hamlet doubting his beliefs and more about Hamlet no longer enjoying acting like the way he usually does. Hamlet’s strong views on death Hamlet also show that Hamlet is not likely to disregard his own life just because it’s getting harder for him to live it.

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Is Hamlet’s Madness Real or Feigned?

Hamlet’s madness, one of the complicated factors, renders understanding Hamlet’s character exasperatingly tricky. Hamlet assumes an ‘antique disposition;’ he pretends to be mad.

However, besides this deliberate assumption of the mask of lunacy, there is a reality. Hamlet is not an entirely sane man; at least in the play, we never find him completely sane.

On different occasions in the play, Hamlet behaves strangely and abnormally, unexpected of a man of sound mind. On the other hand, there is no apparent reason to assume the mask of madness.

Hamlet’s behavior strikes the audience as abnormal on several occasions. For example, Hamlet seems mad when he appears before Ophelia in disordered clothes. He behaves as if he has been loosed out of hell to speak of horror. Hamlet subsequently kills Polonius, and the harsh language he uses with Ophelia in the nunnery scene confirms that Hamlet has gone mad. Later on, when Hamlet jumps into Ophelia’s grave shouting about the amount of love—

“I love Ophelia Forty thousand brothers could not with all their Quality of love Make up my sum.” Hamlet, Shakespeare

Hamlet’s Odd Behavior Put Other Characters in Play in Confusion

Hamlet’s frantic behavior puzzles many other characters in the play itself. Polonius is from the beginning sure that it is his daughter’s love that has turned the prince mad,

“This is the very ecstasy of love,” Hamlet, Shakespeare

Hamlet says at the end of the nunnery scene. Ophelia expresses her Confrontation at the tempestuous madness of Hamlet by saying;

“O, what a noble mind is here overthrown? The countries, soldiers, scholars, eye, tongue, sword The observed of all observers speech quite, quite town.” Ophelia, Hamlet, Shakespeare

Evidence of Hamlet’s Sanity Is Also Overwhelming

On the flip side, there is overwhelming evidence to show that Hamlet is not mad.

At the beginning of the play, right after he has met and talked to his father’s ghost, Hamlet decides to assume the behavior of a madman.

When Marcellus and Horatio come to meet him, Hamlet bursts out in mad laughter, hence, hiding what has passed between him and the ghost.

Hamlet tells Horatio that he would put on an antique disposition and requests him not to ask any question if he behaves oddly in front of others. This shows that madness is a part of Hamlet’s strategy to befool his enemy Claudius and mislead him about the real cause of his trouble.

Hamlet Acts Mad Deliberately to Watch Over His Enemy

Hamlet, therefore, puts on the garb of a madman as a kind of defense mechanism. Under the mark of pretended madness, he would be able to observe his enemy without being detected.

When Hamlet is talking to Polonius in the lobby, Hamlet deliberately talks incoherently, but all the time, he is harping on a consistent subject. The situation in which Polonius and Hamlet converse are dubious.

Hamlet suspects that Polonius is in league with the king. Hamlet, therefore deliberately confuses the older man. Polonius also realizes that though this is madness, there is a method. When Polonius leads Hamlet on this occasion, Hamlet says,

“These tedious old fools concerning Polonius.” Hamlet, Shakespeare

Thus, Hamlet was talking to Polonius in a pretended manner of insanity. Later on, Hamlet confesses to his school friend Rosencrantz and Guildenstern,

“I am but mad-not-north west when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.” Hamlet, Shakespeare

Hamlet Falls between Sanity And Insanity

Nonetheless, it would be a travesty of truth to say that Hamlet is entirely sane. There are many occasions in the play when Hamlet’s madness is revealed unmistakably.

If Hamlet was not mad, he would not spare the king at his prayer or delay indefinitely in taking revenge or contemplating suicide in the first soliloquy.

So, Hamlet is not completely mad; he is not entirely sane either. His condition is somewhere between the two. One critic has aptly remarked that Hamlet’s condition is less than madness, more than feigned.

Hamlet’s thought processes are contaminated in such a way that he has a diseased vision of the world and humanity. He thinks that the whole world is full of evil in his deranged mind, and killing one Claudius could not solve the problem.

Final Thoughts

Hamlet suffers from a disease that modern psychotherapists call schizophrenia. His mind is split into two. The question of “To be or not to be” that troubles him is partly the result of his schizophrenic condition.

Although he pretends to be a madman on the conscious level, deep down his psyche, Hamlet is tainted with an incurable spiritual madness.

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Is Hamlet's madness feigned or real?

Is Hamlet’s madness feigned or real?

The idea of a character feigning madness is not foreign to great literary works. In fact, many authors use it to show the sanity of the character.  Take Homer’s The Iliad for example. The main character Odysseus shows his sanity by pretending to be mad in order to avoid having to fight. If his plan had been successful, he would have stayed safe at home, away from the dangers of war. The idea of feigning madness is also apparent throughout Shakespeare’s Hamlet . Hamlet puts on an act after he is told of his father's murder, perhaps to have something on which he can place the blame after he avenges his father's death, or perhaps it is to capture the attention of certain characters so that he may find out exactly what has gone " rotten in the state of Denmark ". Though it sounds like a crazy idea, Hamlet is feigning madness in Shakespeare's tragic play. This is proved by Hamlet first warning his friend Horatio about it, the way how Hamlet only acts mad with certain people, and the opinions of Polonius and King Claudius.

This is a preview of the whole essay

It is certainly understandable for someone who has just lost his father, and gained a stepfather to suddenly go mad. However, some time passes before Hamlet is "mad". In fact, before he even begins showing signs of madness, he says to his friend Horatio " As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on " (Act I, scene V, lines 189-190). It is not until after this statement that Hamlet becomes mad. The purpose of this statement is to tell Horatio not to worry if Hamlet appears strange because he will be acting mad, in order to get attention from King Claudius. Later, as Hamlet is speaking to Guildenstern, he makes the analogy that he is " but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw " (Act II, scene II, lines 397-398), again indicating that he is only shamming insanity. Also, in a heated conversation in which his mother is questioning his sanity, Hamlet says " I essentially am not in madness, But mad in craft " (Act III, scene IV, lines 206-207). Hamlet is putting on an act, a deceiving performance in order to confirm who was involved with his father's death.

However, Hamlet only performs his act for certain characters. Only in the presence of Gertrude, Claudius, Ophelia, Polonius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern does he behave as a madman. These are the characters whom Hamlet may have reason to suspect of a part in his father's death. By feigning madness, Hamlet confuses these characters, in hope of learning the truth of the murder of the king. In the third Act, Hamlet is set up to confront Ophelia, and promptly displays an antic disposition. He speaks in circles and contradicts himself plainly telling her " I did love you once " (Act III, scene I, line 124), and then in his next dialogue " I loved you not " (Act III, scene I, line 128). However, in different company, like that of Horatio, Bernardo, Francisco, the players, and the gravediggers, he is perfectly sensible and he displays his skills of witty and intellectual conversation. Horatio doesn’t comment on whether he thinks Hamlet feigning madness is a good idea or not; he just tells Hamlet to be careful.

It is unclear whether Hamlet wanted Polonius to see the “ method behind his madness”. Even though Hamlet’s performance as a madman is a good one, Polonius notes that " Though this be madness, yet there is method in it " (Act II, scene II, lines 220-221), hinting that he is catching on to Hamlet's plan to feign his madness. Polonius sees a reason behind the insanity, proving that Hamlet is in fact acting as a madman. King Claudius is also suspicious of the reason for Hamlet's madness. After witnessing the meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia, he makes the decision to keep an eye on Hamlet, saying " Madness in great ones must not unwatch'd go " (Act III, scene II, line 201). He is not totally convinced of Hamlet’s insanity, even though queen Gertrude is trying to convince him that the reason behind Hamlet’s madness is the unexpected death of his father. Claudius realizes that this madness that Hamlet is showing could be dangerous to himself, or his kingdom.

Though Shakespeare never says what the method is behind Hamlet's madness, it is apparent that he is indeed feigning his insanity. He was visited by his father's ghost, which tells him that he had been murdered by Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, and that he must take revenge. While Hamlet knows that his father was wronged, he must decide whether or not to avenge his death. Acting quickly, Hamlet assumes a role of insanity in an effort to confirm his suspicions about Claudius' involvement. He admits to other various characters that he is putting on an act, and only plays this act for certain characters, a couple of whom sense that there is a reason behind it. He is cruel to these characters that he can't trust, but as Hamlet himself says " I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins and worse remains behind " (Act III, scene IV, lines 196-197).

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