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

In Shakespeares " juncture", the main character offers a puzzling and ambiguous persona. Throughout the play, Hamlet much contradicts himself. He seems to balance the virtues of "playing a role", with being true to himself. Further proof of these conflicting personas are demonstrated by his actions and inactions. The ambiguity celebrated here, lies in two conflicting mannerisms displayed by the young Hamlet One that is perfectly calm and rational and another which displays madness. These conflicting behaviors are related indoors Hamlets internal struggle-to kill Claudius for revenge of his fathers murder or act responsibly, and await further proof of Claudius guilt. Throughout the play, Hamlet teeters on the brink of insanity bring forth by his actions, or inactions.Hamlets sanity is clarified, in the first act, by tellments and feelings expressed within his dialogue. When asked about his depressed appearance and demeanor by Gertrude, Hamlet replies, "Seems, peeress? Nay, it is. I know not "seems" (1037, line 76). This relates the idea 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 wholeows the reader to follow Hamlets train of thought in regards to his role as student, mourning son, and Prince to the throne"Ill wipe away all worthless fond records, All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past That youth and observation copied there, And thy commandment all alone shall live Within the book and volume of my mavin" (1054, line 100). Hamlet is stating his utmost commitment to nothing short of revenge of his fathers death. At this juncture 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 exculpate his d estiny 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 second 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).