The Sanity Of William Shakespeare s Hamlet - 1938 Words

Mental illnesses plague the minds of thousands of people all over the world. Recently, the topic of mental illness is brought to light more often as it is more prominent in modern day society. There is a significant increase of mentally ill characters in modern texts. Throughout history, critics have found characters that have mental disorders that affect the play primarily because characterizing a protagonist or antagonist as mentally ill brings depth to the character’s essence. Many acclaimed critics question the sanity of the protagonist in one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Hamlet. The question of Prince Hamlet’s sanity divides readers into two different opinions: one defending his plan of fake insanity and the other confirming his insanity. In his plan to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet disguises himself as mad. Unfortunately, Hamlet’s intricate plan backfires as his mental illnesses become more prominent. The death of loved one s seem to trigger the psychosis in Hamlet’s mind which is seen in the depressive state he is in after his father’s death. His relationship with Ophelia and his mother Queen Gertrude, his fluctuating emotions and lack of sympathy are also evidence of his insanity. Hamlet descends into true insanity as he displays characteristics of psychosis, which is evident in his depression and suicidal thoughts, his relationships with female characters, his temperamental moods, and his lack of empathy over the death of others. Hamlet’sShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet - Sanity Vs. Insanity1742 Words   |  7 Pages2015 Honors English IV Mrs. Joyner Sanity VS. 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