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Hamlet's Madness - College Essay

Hamlet's Madness

`What is madness? Is someone mad merely because they are different, and
do they in return see the same about the world? The dictionary defines madness
as, “1. the state of being mad; insanity. 2. senseless folly. 3. frenzy;
rage. 4. intense excitement or hilarity.” Though is there a difference
between madness and wrath or rage? Was Hamlet mad, or was it one big act in
order to give reason for his irrational actions and to keep his vengeful motives
confidential?
In Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet, these questions are continually asked
and some are answered. Hamlet, the protagonist, has lost his father by murder,
and is urged to seek vengeance by his father who appears to him as a ...

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Hamlet being insane only by the worldly view of him being
different. Though towards the end of the play in Act III, Gertrude calls her son
to her chambers to discuss the reasoning of his putting on a play so closely
related to the death of his father. She tells him how upset Claudius is and is
weary of Hamlet's recent actions. At this Hamlet explodes on his mother and
threatens to kill her. Gertrude cries for help, and Pilonius answers this cry.
Hamlet runs him through with his rapier without even thinking. Hamlet tells her
to report to Claudius this message:

Gertrude: Mad as the sea and wind when both contend
Which is mightier. In his lawless fit,
Behind the arras hearing something stir,
Whips out his rapier, cries “A rat, a rat,”
And in this brainish apprehension kills
The unseen good old man.

This incident shows Hamlet's wanting others to think that he is truly mad. But
was it his insanity that brought about the rash action of killing the unknown
man ...

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Hamlet's Madness. (2004, August 28). Retrieved January 11, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlets-Madness/13458

"Hamlet's Madness." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 28 Aug. 2004. Web. 11 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlets-Madness/13458>

"Hamlet's Madness." Essayworld.com. August 28, 2004. Accessed January 11, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlets-Madness/13458.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 8/28/2004 07:28:28 PM
Category: Arts
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 743
Pages: 3

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