Essential #7

Do you think that Hamlet has created his own insanity, or has he lost his sense of reality completely?

Prince Hamlet is far from insane. Considering his circumstances, Hamlet’s behavior is completely rational. To go through what Hamlet has gone through is truly mind boggling and it would be impressive if anyone could act normal during this time.

Something to take into consideration is the vow that Prince Hamlet made to King Hamlet. Prince Hamlet promised to avenge his father’s death: “The time is out of joint. O cursed spite that ever I was born to set it right!” (1.5.210-211). Considering the love and affection that Prince Hamlet had for his father, of course Prince Hamlet was going to put all of his effort into this revenge. His passion shouldn’t be confused with insanity. Hamlet was doing what needed to be done in order to fully avenge his father’s death.

Prince Hamlet does a superb job of taking on the insane role. When Prince Hamlet is talking to Guildenstern about the play that the players are going act out for everyone, Prince Hamlet reveals how his “sanity” is only an act: “I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw” (2.2.402-403). Here Prince Hamlet is telling Guildenstern that he knows when to act mad and when to act rationally. He assures Guildenstern about his ability to distinguish when it is right or when it is wrong to act irrationally.