Madness in Hamlet

Madness was not well understood in Elizabethan times but there was a vague understanding of unbalanced humours producing illness and insanity. The insane were fairly comical and turn up in a number of Shakespeare’s plays – notably Lear in which another son pretends to be mad in order to honour his father and protect himself. Hamlet claims to be but “mad north-north west, when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw”. He can put on his madness, but does he express himself in a mad way?

POLONIUS [II.ii.146-150]		And he, repellèd, a short tale to make, Fell into a sadness, then into a fast, Thence to a watch, thence into a weakness, Thence to a lightness, and, by this declension, Into the madness wherein now he raves
HAMLET [II.ii.377-378]		I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw.
OPHELIA [III.i.151]		O, what a noble mind is here o'erthrown!
KING [III.i.189]		Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.
KING QUEEN [IV.i.6-7]		What, Gertrude? How does Hamlet? Mad as the sea and wind when both contend Which is the mightier.
LAERTES [IV.v.156-159]		O heat, dry up my brains! Tears seven times salt Burn out the sense and virtue of mine eye! By heaven, thy madness shall be paid with weight Till our scale turn the beam.

Useful Critics

“Hamlet's insanity is clearly feigned. He is more acted upon than the actor.” (Johnson)

“What is Hamlet's motive for acting the madman? It allows others to speak freely in his presence for their guard will be down. Thus the words of the ghost may be confirmed. See I,v,169 ff. Does it work? No. The king is too clever, and the queen is not an accomplice.” (Kitteredge)

v  Who in the play is actually mad? How can you tell? Why are they mad?

v  Why does Hamlet decide to act mad? (is this a guess, or something we know for sure?)

v  How does Hamlet use language to look mad?

v  Is it mad to be suicidal? Who is suicidal in the play?

v  Why is the royal court so concerned about strange behaviour?

v  How is mad Ophelia treated?

v  How does her madness exhibit itself?

v  Is it mad to see ghosts?

v  Why doesn’t Gertrude see the ghost?

v  “I am sick at heart” - Why?

v  “It is an un-weeded garden that grows to seed, things rank and gross in nature possess it merely” What does this image tell you about Hamlet’s view of the world.