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Throughout the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the main character Hamlet is given the overwhelming responsibility of avenging his fathers unlawful death. Such an awesome burden can slowly drive a man mad. Because of this, Hamlets disposition is extremely inconsistent and erratic throughout the plot. At times he shows signs of uncontrollable insanity while, at other times, he exemplifies intelligence and method in his madness. Hamlet goes through different stages of insanity throughout the story, but his neurotic and skeptical personality amplifies his persona of seeming insane to the other characters in the book. Hamlets disposition begins to change erratically almost immediately after his fathers death and the quick incestuous marriage of his mother to his uncle.
The change in Hamlets temperament is so drastic that his mother noticed and makes the comment, Why seems it so particular with thee? (1. 2. 76). King Claudius notices that Hamlet seems depressed, and he inquires, How is it that the clouds still hang on you? (1. 2. 67) Hamlets responses to these questions are sarcastic and cynical. At this point in the play, it is evident that Hamlet is going through a rough time, in which he thinks, How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable, /Seem to me all the uses of this world! (1. 2. 135) Hamlet thinks the world is terrible and he is becoming more mad. Aware factor that plays a part in fueling Prince Hamlets madness is his discovery of the truth behind his fathers unrighteous death. The ghost of his father King Hamlet tells him, Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. (1. 5. 29) Hamlets response to this statement is one of intense hatred and uncontrolled emotions toward his uncle, the new king. He cries, O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain! (1. 5. 112).
At certain points in the play Hamlet gets so enthralled emotionally in his words that they end up controlling his actions. This dynamic proves true when Hamlet is on his way to England and he admires Fortinbras and his vengeance toward his own fathers death. Hamlet then gets intertwined in his words by saying, When honors at the stake. How stand I then, that gave a father killed, a mother staind, excitements for my reasons and my blood and let all sleep, while to my shame I see the imminent death of twenty thousand men (4. 1. 58 - 62) Hamlet decides from this point on that his thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth! (4. 4. 67 - 68) Hamlet procrastinates in his revenge for his fathers death throughout the duration of the play. This procrastination frustrates Hamlet and contributes to his madness. Hamlet begins to become more level headed once he is inspired by Fortinbrass invasion of Poland.
At other times in the story, Hamlet uses words with great thought and baffles other characters in the book. Hamlet has many encounters with Polonius, in which Hamlet destroys Polonius with carefully selected words by calling him a fishmonger. (2. 2. 188) Hamlet insults Polonius by saying for yourself, sir, shall grow old as I am, if like a crab you could go backwards (2. 2. 215 - 216) Hamlet is inferring that Polonius is younger than him, which is a direct sign of disrespect. Polonius thinks to himself, Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't (2. 2. 217 - 218). He also makes a comment on Hamlets witty replies How pregnant sometimes his replies are! A happiness that often madness hits on, which reason and sanity could not so prosperously be delivered of. (2. 2. 220 - 223) Horatio not only foresees the outcome of the play, but once again shows insight into Hamlets questionable sanity, when he says, What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord, Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff that beetles o'er his base into the sea, And there assume some other horrible form, which might deprive your sovereignty of reason and draw you into madness? (1. 4. 75 - 80) Horatio is the only straightforward person in this play that everyone from the characters to the audience can trust.
Horatio's words hold considerable weight throughout the play because they are all genuine and true. It is Horatio who is invited by Bernardo and Marcellus at the beginning of the book to authenticate the apparition of King Hamlet in the towers. Because of Horatio's non-emotional and truthful consistency throughout the play, the audience should pay close attention to each and every one of his words. Within his words he foresees death as well as Hamlets madness in the pursuit of justice in his fathers death. Hamlets madness builds up throughout the entire play until he kills Polonius. At this point Hamlet realizes that his actions are getting out of control and begins to use strategy in his plan to seek revenge.
Hamlet is given the unwavering grave responsibility of avenging his fathers unlawful death. Such an inconceivable task slowly drives Hamlet mad until the tragedy reveals itself at the end. This is the moment of truth and is foreseen far earlier in the book by Horatio. At certain times throughout the play Hamlet fools many of the characters that he is madder then he actually is.
This is an excellent strategy because the other characters do not think he is capable of constructing such an intricate and well though plan to avenge his fathers murder.
Free research essays on topics related to: fathers death, king hamlet, characters in the book, avenging his fathers, hamlets madness
Research essay sample on Avenging His Fathers Characters In The Book
