Hamlet is perfectly sane “I will be brief. Your noble son is mad,” declares Polonius (II, ii, 91). Ophelia exclaims: “O what a noble spirit is here overthrown! » (III, I, 153). “Alas, he is mad,” concludes Gertrude (III, iv, 106). Claudius even tasks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with escorting Hamlet to England because “it is not safe with us/Let his madness spread” (III, iii, 1-2). Essentially, every supporting character questions Hamlet's sanity, and most conclude that he is indeed insane. The general consensus can justify almost any action in most societies. As for reason, if the authorities believe you are crazy, then you “are” crazy; your personal comments are often not taken into account and are rejected. Hamlet's environment proves no different. The possibility that Hamlet is feigning madness for a purpose never occurs to most characters, and for Claudius (the king and figurehead against Hamlet), the purpose is irrelevant. Hamlet poses a viable threat to Claudius's throne, whether he is sane or insane, and Hamlet's supposed madness justifies harmful action. As long as the evidence supports Hamlet's psychosis, Claudius can get rid of Hamlet and rule Denmark as he pleases. Hamlet's actions and speeches on numerous occasions can surely support the arguments for his madness. Although Marcellus, Bernardo, and Horatio all witness King Hamlet's ghost, only Hamlet hears him speak. After this speech, Hamlet becomes angry, shouting vehement epithets about Claudius and Gertrude, vowing to avenge his father. However, later in the play, Hamlet questions the validity of the apparition after initially assuming its sincerity. In the scene following the ghost's entrance, Hamlet's speech towards Horatio and the guards is evasive as his mood changes... middle of paper ......es Hamlet's superiority and intelligence . On the surface, Hamlet's supposed madness sets the stage for the plot of the tragedy. Madness also proves to be a means of comparison for other events, themes, and images in the play, such as Ophelia's madness and Laertes' true avenging role. Introspectively, Hamlet's supposed derangement allows him to question himself and provides us with a more complete picture of Hamlet's true character. Essentially, only Shakespeare's ingenuity could weave so many psychotic acts and elusive speeches into a planned climax. Works Cited Berman, Allison. “We only find ourselves.” Hamlet Reaction Papers. Wynnewood: FCS, 2000. Lugo, Michael. “So conscience makes cowards of us all.” Hamlet Reaction Papers. Wynnewood: FCS, 2000. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. 1600? Ed. Sylvain Barnett. New York: Classic Bookmark, 1998