Hamlet’s madness in Hamlet

Answer

Do you agree that there was a method in Hamlet’s madness? If so, why?

Hamlet’s madness is one of the most iconic elements of Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) play “Hamlet”. However, the nature of Hamlet’s madness is a subject of much debate and interpretation. After analyzing the tragedy, it becomes clear that Hamlet is not mad. Rather, he has pretended to be mad. The main reason for his madness is to find out the real murderer of his father, old Hamlet. Let’s explore the points of Hamlet’s madness and find out whether his madness is real or feigned.

Points of Hamlet’s madness: Hamlet shows madness in several places throughout the drama. His madness is seen in the interview with Polonius, the conversation with Horatio and the meeting with Ophelia. 

Critiques observation of Hamlet’s madness: From the age of Shakespeare to the modern period, critics discuss the most controversial topic of Hamlet’s madness. They try to discover whether Hamlet is mad or disguised to be mad. Most of them agree that Hamlet’s madness is fake. But it drives the main plot of the drama forward. Most of them acknowledged that Hamlet’s madness is unique. 

Reasons for Hamlet’s madness: At the very outset, it needs to be clear Why Hamlet pretends to be mad. There are two reasons for his madness, 

• His mother’s remarriage with his uncle: A question is raised in the heart of Hamlet: Why does his mother, Gertrude, remarry instantly after his father’s death? He doubts that his mother is responsible for the death of his father. To know whether his mother was the murderer or involved in conspiracy, he feigned madness.

• Revelation of the real murderer by the ghost of the Old Hamlet: The Ghost of Old Hamlet reveals the real killer’s name to Hamlet. He says that Claudius is the real culprit. But Hamlet wants to be sure whether Claudius is the real murderer. That is why he feigned madness.

Interview with Polonius