Question

Throughout the novel, Hamlet has been a model of inaction. Consider his introspection and questioning throughout the play as well as his inability to make a decision. Is Hamlet behaving this way to confuse his enemies (like he told Horatio), unaffected by the wake of people he harms in the process of trying to get even, or are we witnessing a character on the brink of insanity? Is Hamlet a selfish, narcissistic person, or simply mentally ill?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Hamlet is, in fact, going crazy. This madness is the result of the environment in which he lives and the lack of proactivity with which he faces the situations to which he is subjected. Hamlet's initiative in pretending to be crazy is a good departure from the real madness he presents, we can see that, due to Hamlet's contradiction in acting after a lot of reflection, or acting in full impulse causing disastrous results and promoting evil to all around him, like the scene where he kills Ophelia’s father as a result of complete lack of rationality.

However, Hamlet's madness is gradual and we can see that he gets worse as the series begins. Not even Hamlet is sure of his sanity.