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Why Is Hamlet Mad

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The claim that Hamlet feigned his madness can be viewed as a controversial conversation after reading the play. On page one hundred three, Hamlet says, “To put an antic disposition on.” (Act I, Scene V) This quote is important as it shows when one ‘puts on’ something, it means to act versus how things actually are viewed. Therefore, Hamlet is stating that he is normally not like this. One main view as to why Hamlet decides to feign madness is to have a mutual response to each person regardless of their relationship. For example, it is easier to seem mad at everything towards each person in his case versus having to remember what individual he is mad at. If he acts the same towards everyone, and not represent himself in another way, they will believe he is truly mad. As stated by Polonius, “Made call I it, for to define true madness” (Act II, Scene II) and “pity ‘tis ‘tis true- a foolish figure” (Act II, Scene II) show that Hamlet is representing himself in a manner where others think he is mad, although have suspension that he may be faking it. The foolish figure words …show more content…

Hamlet says, “I am but mad.” (Act II, Scene II) This statement is to the point and he clearly explains that he is mad. He gives good evidence of this when he speaks on page one hundred twenty-five when he says “Make mad the guilty, and appall the free.” (Act II, Scene II) This scene shows good evidence of his insanity appearance. This quote is also a contradicting statement as we see both the mad and guilty part versus being free. During this time, other characters may start to wonder what his views are. Even though he is speaking for Hecuba, it seems the speech shifts and begins to describe what Hamlet (himself) is going through too by stating “Am I a coward?” (Act II, Scene II) This drastic change from Hamlet makes the other characters aware that his madness may not be real after

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