Insanity in 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth'

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the evidence for Hamlet's and Lady Macbeth's insanity in the plays "Hamlet" and "Macbeth." Definitions of insanity from a psychological perspective are provided in this essay. Both plays are summarized with extensive quotes and examples of each character's behavior that would lead to the diagnosis of some form of psychosis, including murder and suicide.

From the Paper:

"William Shakespeare used the theme of insanity in many of his plays, and two of the most famous are 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth'. The theme of insanity in both of these plays is illustrated through several characters. Through the course of this paper it will be shown that in these plays, the characters Lady Macbeth and Prince Hamlet are insane. This paper will discuss the nature of insanity, the role of insanity in both Hamlet and Macbeth, and controversy over the questions of insanity raised by both of these plays. While Hamlet and Lady Macbeth's complimentary characters Ophelia and Macbeth exhibit obvious signs of increasing insanity, it can be argued that both Hamlet and Lady Macbeth are mentally unstable from the beginning of their respective plays."

More papers on Insanity in 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth':

• Analytical Essay # 66332 : "Hamlet"
• Analytical Essay # 130973 : "Deaths in 'Hamlet' and 'Death of a Salesman'"
• Comparison Essay # 121070 : "Ambition in Hamlet and in Montaigne"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: