Hamlet - Was Prince Hamlet Wacko? :: essays research papers

In Shakespeares " critical point", the main character offers a puzzling and ambiguous persona. Through protrude the play, Hamlet often contradicts himself. He seems to sleep the virtues of "playing a role", with being true to himself. Further verification of these conflicting personas are demonstrated by his actions and inactions. The ambiguity noted here, lies in two conflicting mannerisms displayed by the young Hamlet One that is abruptly calm and rational and another which displays madness. These conflicting behaviors are related in spite of appearance Hamlets internal struggle-to kill Claudius for revenge of his fathers murder or act responsibly, and hold off further proof of Claudius guilt. Throughout the play, Hamlet teeters on the brink of alienation induced by his actions, or inactions.Hamlets sanity is clarified, in the first act, by statements and feelings expressed within his dialogue. When asked approximately his depressed appearance and demeanor b y Gertrude, Hamlet replies, "Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I k instantly not "seems" (1037, line 76). This relates the melodic theme that Hamlet is what he appears to be. Later, he clearly makes a statement about his mental health when he commits himself to avenge his fathers murder. This quote allows the reader to hold fast Hamlets train of thought in regards to his role as student, mourning son, and Prince to the flowerpot"Ill wipe away all trivial fond records, All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past That youth and observation copied there, And thy commandment all whole shall live Within the book and volume of my brain" (1054, line 100). Hamlet is stating his ut approximately commitment to nothing short of revenge of his fathers death. At this colligation in the play, there is little doubt about his state of mind, or intentions. However, the next act belies Hamlets sanity and reason.In act two, Hamlet appears again, although it now becomes apparent he has lost the conviction he demonstrated earlier-to drop his destiny as prescribed by the ghost of his father. During this act, Hamlet spends most of his time reading and talking with Polonius, Guildenstern, Rosencrantz, and the players. Not until the very end of this routine act, does Hamlet refer to his filial duty to avenge his father. Instead of carrying out the destiny described by his fathers spirit-role of the vengeful son-Hamlet exhibits insane behaviors. This is illustrated by his statements to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, "I know not-lost my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises..." (1071, line 282).