Hamlet's Sanity

Book Review # 104018

Drama and Theater > English
English > Analysis
Literature > English

Hamlet's Sanity

An analysis of Hamlet's level of sanity in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet."

1,477 words () | 12 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the personality of Hamlet in William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet." It particularly focuses on the question of whether Hamlet was insane or if he was just pretending to be so. It also questions whether Hamlet could have plotted murder if he was insane. The paper concludes that Hamlet was melancholic, depressed and suffered from anhedonia.

From the Paper:

"The fact is that many people have interpreted Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, in different ways. The play is centered on the fact that Hamlet does not immediately seek revenge. Hamlet has been told by a ghost to seek revenge for his father's death. Any person seeing a ghost and hearing one would automatically question their saneness. Hamlet is angry at himself at times for not carrying out the revenge, but murdering someone is not something that can be done easily even in cases where murder is necessary (Prince Hamlet). Looking at the etymology of Hamlet shows that is name is one filled with meaning and controversy (Prince Hamlet). No doubt, Hamlet felt torn in many different ways when it came to seeking revenge for his father. During the Reformation time period, the existence of purgatory was a major issue. Perhaps Hamlet delayed the death to make sure that his uncle had made peace with God (Prince Hamlet). Perhaps most people can see Hamlet as a mirror of the audience, because everyone has problems that could lead them to be insane."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bloom's Guides on Hamlet. Harold Bloom . Penguin Putman. New York. 1989.
Brennan, Colin. "Anhedonia." 2 May 2007. <http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/special_reports/depression/anhedonia.htm>.
Eliot, T. S. "Hamlet and His Problem." 2 May 2007. <http://www.bartleby.com/200/sw9.html>.
Essays in Shakespearean Criticism. James L Calderwood and Harold E Toliver. Prentice Hall Inc. New Jersey, 1970.
Holland, Sarah. "Hamlet: A Humoral Diagnosis." (1996). 2 May 2007. <http://www.engl.uvic.ca/faculty/mbhomepage/isshakespeare/resources/worldview.htm>.