The character of Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s Tragic History of Hamlet experiences a fluctuation between sanity and insanity. When he desires to take revenge, Hamlet pretends to be crazy, referred to as an “antic disposition” (I. V. 463). However, when he deems it necessary, Hamlet reverts back to his logical state. Hamlet himself acknowledges that he is “mad north-north-west” (II. ii), indicating that he is sometimes mad and other times sane. In his pursuit of his objectives, Hamlet moves back and forth between sanity and insanity, which ironically reflects his goal of seeking revenge.
To start, Hamlet begins his insanity in order to achieve his goals. He uses his insanity as a weapon, converting it into either words or actions. Hamlet’s insanity is directed only towards his enemies or those who align with his enemies. For instance, he verbally attacks Ophelia, who has sided with Claudius, questioning her integrity and beauty. In his encounter with Gertrude, Hamlet’s words are as sharp as daggers because she obstructs his plans. Furthermore, Hamlet violently kills Polonius, ensuring his death beyond any doubt.
Hamlet inflicts deep harm on both Ophelia and Gertrude through his words of madness and also drives Polonius to his grave through his actions of insanity. These three individuals, Ophelia, Gertrude, and Polonius, are all allies of Claudius. By causing harm to Claudius’ allies, Hamlet indirectly damages Claudius himself. This serves as Hamlet’s immediate objective: to eliminate Claudius’ allies. In addition to using his own madness to harm these allies, Hamlet’s evident insanity troubles Claudius. Over time, Claudius becomes increasingly furious with Hamlet and understands that “madness in great ones must not unwatch’d go” (III. i. ). As a result of Hamlet’s insanity, Claudius feels compelled to dispatch individuals to uncover the secrets behind Hamlet’s madness.
Hamlet’s feigned madness infuriates Claudius, while also causing him to become more confused. Ultimately, Hamlet’s apparent insanity aids him in accomplishing his immediate objectives of eliminating Claudius’ supporters and bewildering Claudius himself. Conversely, when Hamlet regains his sanity, he employs it as a means of concentration. In these lucid moments, he has a clear and unwavering focus on the present circumstances. For instance, when encountering the ghost, Hamlet urges it to “speak” since he is compelled to listen attentively (“bound to hear” I. .).
During his conversation with the ghost, Hamlet expresses his emotions by lamenting for his “prophetic soul” (I. v.). Additionally, Hamlet exhibits great concentration when interacting with Horatio. Upon learning about the ghost of his father from Horatio, Hamlet implores him to “let him hear” (I. ii.). While in a rational state, Hamlet’s thoughts are coherent and he remains fixated on the subject matter. When encountered with his father’s ghost, Hamlet devotes his full attention to it. Throughout his dialogue with Horatio regarding his deceased father’s ghost, Hamlet conducts himself with sanity, demonstrating both active listening and speaking engagement. Furthermore, Hamlet alludes to his aforementioned “prophetic soul” (I. v.).
Hamlet’s clear and prophetic soul distinguishes him from the insane, as he is able to concentrate when necessary and is insightful when alone. His well-thought-out soliloquy “to be or not to be” showcases the maturity of his thoughts compared to the insane. Ultimately, Hamlet achieves both his goals of concentration and philosophizing through his return to sanity.
Hamlet’s revenge is slowed down by his constant fluctuation between sanity and insanity. His mind becomes tangled as he constantly shifts between different personalities. In the early stages of the play, Hamlet decides to put on an “antic disposition.” However, in the final scene, he confides in Horatio that there is internal conflict within him. He states that “in my heart there was a kind of fighting.” This inconsistency, where he initially plans to fake insanity but later implies actual mental instability, leads to Hamlet’s indecisiveness. As a result, his inability to take action hinders his revenge.
In the end, it is believed that Hamlet strategically employs insanity to manipulate others. He is aware that Claudius has dispatched Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as spies. Hamlet is careful not to reveal his plan to expose Claudius as the murderer of King Hamlet, nor does he want to expose his knowledge of this truth to Claudius. Hamlet alternates between sanity and insanity as a means to accomplish his immediate objectives, using insanity against his enemies and sanity as a tool for focus. Nonetheless, the continual oscillation between sanity and insanity ultimately leads him to a gradual revenge.
