The Sanity Of Shakespeare s Hamlet - 793 Words

Mental health is considered, by many scholars and researchers, as one of the most difficult subjects to study. This is mainly because there’s only one infallible method of evaluate someone’s mental health — observing their actions. Since there are multiple ways to interpret a person’s actions, it’s only natural that there’s abundance of arguments based on whether or not certain significant characters in history were sane. For instance, scholars have evaluated and debated the sanity of characters in Shakespeare’s plays, specifically the play Hamlet, for years without end. It is apparent that the character Hamlet, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, maintains his sanity. Few experts believe that Hamlet’s insanity is clearly demonstrated by his†¦show more content†¦Hamlet constantly flaunts his superior intelligence while conversing with certain characters. Hamlet constantly mocks and criticizes Polonius— like when he c alls him a fishmonger — which is slang for someone like a pimp — in ways that signify that Hamlet is aware of the poorly set traps that Polonius has laid out for him. Not only does that insult serve as proof that he’s cognizant of traps set for it, but it’s also Hamlet’s way of shaming Polonius for using his own daughter as some type of pawn in his plan. Mott also praises the complexity of Hamlet’s intellect and his â€Å"To Be of Not to Be† soliloquy, which is when Hamlet contemplates suicide, and claims that Hamlet must be sane if he’s able to show such a great sense of discernment and articulateness while philosophizing mortality. Hamlet, undoubtedly, experiences some traumatic event, such as his father being murdered and the death of his love Ophelia, that would drive the average person to insanity and, in extreme cases, suicide. Hamlet’s cautious evaluation of his circumstances also indicate his sanity. John D. Rea asserts, in â€Å"Hamlet and the Ghost Again† from The English Journal, that Hamlet displays his sound judgement when he evaluates his situation and devises a planShow MoreRelatedThe Sanity Of William Shakespeare s Hamlet1938 Words   |  8 Pagesantagonist as mentally ill brings depth to the character’s essence. Many acclaimed critics question the sanity of the protagonist in one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Hamlet. The question of Prince Hamlet’s sanity divides readers into two different opinions: one defending his plan of fake insanity and the other confirming his insanity. In his plan to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet disguises himself as mad. Unfortunately, Hamlet’s intricate plan backfires as his mental illnesses becomeRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet - Sanity Vs. Insanity1742 Words   |  7 Pages2015 Honors English IV Mrs. Joyner Sanity VS. 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