Madness in HamletHamlet's choice to take on an "antique disposition" leads to his downfall; it is a tragic error of judgment (hamartia) that destroys his relationship with Ophelia and Gertrude. This is Hamlet's pride. Another result of Hamlet's particular actions is that, in his mind, he begins to believe that he is crazy. It is unfortunate that Hamlet's plan did not succeed; not only did this lead to his own downfall, but he had to witness the downfall of everyone he loved. By choosing to commit this act with an ancient temperament, he takes the risk of losing close contact with his loved ones. With his acts of madness, he pushes Ophelia away from him and this ultimately leads to his suicide. Ophelia is very saddened when Hamlet continues to push her further and further away. Hamlet orders her to go to a convent and that's when she thinks he's crazy. Oh, what a noble spirit is here overthrown! (III; i; 147) As Hamlet's act continues to unfold, Ophelia begins to feel very betrayed by her love. With only her feelings of rejected love and betrayal, she commits suicide. Young men won't do it if they can do it. By Cock, they are to blame. She said, “Before you made me fall, you promised me you would.” marry.' (IV; v; 60-64) It is after Ophelia's death that Hamlet realizes his true feelings for her. This is another factor that contributed to Hamlet's own downfall. This tragic error of judgment leads Hamlet to destroy his relationship with his mother, Gertrude. By simulating this madness, he makes himself less...... middle of paper ......t Ophelia, he had the impression of having lost much more. His sadness is covered by his jealousy and this leads to more madness. Hamlet is on the path to destruction without return. All of these events added up and contributed to Hamlet's downfall. He lost the love of his life, his dear mother, and lost his mind. Hamlet's choice to take on this ancient disposition was a tragic error of judgment (harmartia). It was Hamlet's pride. Works cited and consulted: Bloom, Harold. Modern Critical Interpretations of Hamlet. New York, NY: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Charney, Maurice. All Shakespeare. New York, New York. Columbia University Press. 1993. Magill, Frank N. Masterplots. Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1995. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. The Shakespeare by the River. ED. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston: Haughton Mifflin Company, 1974.