Rodda

Title	Rodda
# of Words	764
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	3.06

Rodda
Bires 2
4/13/96
Hamlet’s Madness
`What is madness? Is someone mad merely because they are different, and do they in return see the same about the world? The dictionary defines madness as, “1. the state of being mad; insanity. 2. senseless folly. 3. frenzy; rage. 4. intense excitement or hilarity.” Though is there a difference between madness and wrath or rage? Was Hamlet mad, or was it one big act in order to give reason for his irrational actions and to keep his vengeful motives confidential?
In Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet, these questions are continually asked and some are answered. Hamlet, the protagonist, has lost his father by murder, and is urged to seek vengeance by his father who appears to him as a ghost. This raises the first bit of suspicion of madness. Hamlet talks with his father and is told,

Hamlet: If thou didst ever thy dear father love-
Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.

Most would say that the fact that he saw the ghost of his dead father would be enough to warrant that he is insane. The only fact that hinders this observation is the fact that others saw the ghost as well and were even the ones who told young Hamlet of his appearance.
Many may see Hamlet being insane only by the worldly view of him being different. Though towards the end of the play in Act III, Gertrude calls her son to her chambers to discuss the reasoning of his putting on a play so closely related to the death of his father. She tells him how upset Claudius is and is weary of Hamlet’s recent actions. At this Hamlet explodes on his mother and threatens to kill her. Gertrude cries for help, and Pilonius answers this cry. Hamlet runs him through with his rapier without even thinking. Hamlet tells her to report to Claudius this message:

Gertrude: Mad as the sea and wind when both contend
Which is mightier. In his lawless fit,
Behind the arras hearing something stir,
Whips out his rapier, cries “A rat, a rat,”
And in this brainish apprehension kills
The unseen good old man.

This incident shows Hamlet’s wanting others to think that he is truly mad. But This is ONLY a preview of the article. If you would like to view the entire document, you must subscribe to Electronic References. Please register below now!

Get This Full Article After Registration

When you subscribe to Electronic References, you get complete access to the meta-collection of full text articles and papers written by researchers and students spanning the last 5 years. For $19.95 a month, you will receive unlimited access and the ability to expand your research opportunities and knowledge.
This subscription package includes:

24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week unlimited access on any computer with Internet access

Complete access to all 60,000 articles, essays, and research papers

Ability to view, save, print and download any document you find

Ability to browse through perfectly arranged catalog of articles

Superior search and relevancy ranking techniques using our optimalized search engine

Instant access to the online database after registration

You can pay by credit card or checking account. You get instant access after registration:

1 Month ($ 19.95)

3 Months ($ 29.95)

6 Months ($ 39.95)

You will be billed $19.95 every 30 days or $29.95 every 90 days (recurring billing) starting on the day you subscribe.
Your credit card or checking account will automatically be renewed for your convenience until you cancel.

Home | Register | Login | Logout | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Help | FAQ | Contact Us | Cancel Subscription
Copyright 1998-2009 Electronic References. Electronic References is designed only to assist students and researchers in the preparation of their own work. Anybody who use our services are responsible not only for writing their own papers, but also for citing Electronic References as a source when doing so. By accessing and using this page you agree to the Disclaimer.