Hamlet And Insanity Analysis

Hamlet has been subjected to meticulous psychological, philosophical and theological scrutiny unparalleled to any character in modern or classic literature. He manifests the most cynical thoughts held subconsciously by mankind. The audience finds reassurance in the play of Hamlet because they envision themselves as Hamlet. If he were to be diagnosed as psychologically dysfunctional than that would provide the paradoxical idea that humanity itself is psychologically dysfunctional. A clear distinction between the prerequisites for melancholy, insanity and sanity must be stated prior to proceeding to diagnosis. Insanity is characterized as faulty functioning of deductive skills and a loss of contact from reality. Sanity can be represented as functional reasoning skills and intimate connection to reality. Melancholy is characterized by severe depression, withdrawal, pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity. An emphasis must be made in the distinction between melancholy and insanity because these two concepts are being used interchangeably. Hamlet suffering from …show more content…
His melancholy can be traced back to his theological view of his father and the obsession to follow his commandment. He provides logical reasoning throughout the play and his behavior whether social or solitary. He has the unique ability to read people and judge their genuine qualities. He is a realist with a stronger convocation to reality than any other character throughout the story. He may not be healthy spiritually but is the most mentally stable character in a world plagued by homicide, infidelity, treachery, retribution, manipulation and corruption. Hamlet is the archetype of humanities’ most cynical subconscious thoughts. So if Hamlet is diagnosed with madness then the entire human race is just as mad if not even more for finding sanctuary in the morbid, suicidal reflections that are