Warning: Use of undefined constant referer - assumed 'referer' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 102

Warning: Use of undefined constant host - assumed 'host' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 105

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays:102) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 106

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays:102) in /usr/home/essaywo/public_html/essays on line 109
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 ...

Want to read the rest of this paper?
Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay
and over 50,000 other term papers

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 ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays.
Write better papers. Get better grades.

Already a member? Login

CITE THIS PAGE:

APA
MLA
Chicago
Turabian

Hamlet's Madness. (2004, August 28). Retrieved October 22, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlets-Madness/13458

"Hamlet's Madness." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 28 Aug. 2004. Web. 22 Oct. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlets-Madness/13458>

"Hamlet's Madness." Essayworld.com. August 28, 2004. Accessed October 22, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlets-Madness/13458.

JOIN NOW

Join today and get instant access to this and 50,000+ other essays

PAPER DETAILS

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

Save |

Report

SHARE THIS PAPER

SAVED ESSAYS

Save and find your favorite essays easier