Essay: Solving the Mystery: Is Hamlet a Madman or Misunderstood?

Madness is oftentimes defined as a condition in which the mind disposes of all logical thoughts. Therefore, leaving the individual confused and without any proper understanding of their surroundings. This condition tends to occur in the minds of individuals who are in need of closure from a series of horrible experiences and thus fall into madness while attempting to neglect the harsh reality. In William Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet, it is often debated whether Shakespeare’s tragic hero, Hamlet, is a madman or awfully misunderstood. A series of unfortunate events take place in Hamlet’s life, starting with his father’s death and continuing with the marriage between his mother and his uncle, the new King of Denmark. It becomes evident these events begin having a toll on Hamlet, as his ill feelings and thoughts start guiding his actions. Hamlet throughout the play is seen to be mad however Hamlet’s insanity was more than an act. Shakespeare utilizes various symbols and imageries to illustrate how Hamlet’s newfound insanity leads to his own downfall, as it results in the growth of diseased thoughts. With the use of symbols such as the ghost of his late father, the dead body of Polonius, and through the use of Yorick’s skull Shakespeare demonstrates Hamlet’s hysteria.
The play first begins with the appearance of the ghost of the late King of Denmark, otherwise known as Hamlet’s father. The ghost narrates to Hamlet how King Claudius killed him “…with juice of cursed hebenon in a vial, and in the porches of my ears did pour the leperous distilment…” (I.v.61-64). The ghost plays a key role in influencing the destiny and mindset of Hamlet. The ghost becomes significant as it sows the seed of revenge in Hamlet symbolizing both fate and catalysing Hamlet’s madness. The late King Hamlet is murdered before he was able to confess his sins, thus placed in purgatory to roam the earth. He is only able to enter into heaven when his sins are washed from him. Encountering the ghost of his late father greatly influences Hamlet, as his mind becomes occupied with only thoughts of revenge and death. Hearing of his father’s tragic betrayal Hamlet was both alarmed and appalled. Immediately Hamlet felt he must take up the responsibility to avenge his father, ultimately revealing the role of the ghost, who is able to affect the protagonist. Hamlet’s insanity is what prompts him to hallucinate the ghost’s appearance. Following the encounter with the ghost Hamlet’s thoughts are filled with revenge, which only stimulates his madness further. Madness is the main cause that pushes Hamlet to become irrational and portray himself as a mystery to the ones around him.
Following Claudius’s order, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern plead with Hamlet to tell them the location of Polonius’s body. Hamlet being mad, mischievous, and sharp, replies that Polonius is “Not where he eats, but where he is eaten. A certain convocation of politic worms are e’en at him. Your worm is your only emperor for diet. We fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service—two dishes but to one table. That’s the end.” (4.3.19-28). When Hamlet mentions to Claudius that Polonius is “at supper” what he is really suggesting is that Polonius is being eaten for supper, more specifically decaying. He also mentions that the king could send a messenger to find Polonius in heaven or seek him in hell himself. Finally, Hamlet announces the location of Polonius’s body, which is hidden under the stairs near the castle lobby. Wasting no time the king orders his attendants to search there. The king then puts his plan to action and informs Hamlet that he is being sent to England and must leave right away, in which Hamlet eagerly agrees to. The act of murdering Polonius and the following traumatic confrontation with his mother leaves Hamlet distraught, and in an irrational state of mind, making his sudden restless nature resemble actual madness. Pushed by his passionate hate for Claudius Hamlet mocks Claudius as he uses word games to play down the murder of Polonius. He also acts excited at the idea of traveling to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.