Madness in Hamlet

Shakespeare’s tragic hero, Hamlet, and his sanity can arguably be discussed. Many portions of the play support his loss of control in his actions, while other parts uphold his ability of dramatic art. Madness in Hamlet has been a popular topic of discussion by both critics and readers for some time. It is quite simple to see why. The play gives us evidence to prove the power of the claim of Hamlet’s true madness, or, rather, a view that the actions and words coming from the apparent madness, is an insincere "antic disposition" as proclaimed by Hamlet himself. This uncertainty in my view is the question that has bothered many readers of the play, since a dramatic device like this has its purpose. However that purpose is not made clear due to conflicting evidence found within the play. Some have even attributed this uncertainty as carelessness on Shakespeare’s part. My view however is that the unresolved tension these questions bring up, have a part in playing out the plot and a...