Why Is Hamlet Insane

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In Act III Hamlet’s behavior takes a drastic shift, and his constant mood swings suggest he is not exactly sure of himself. Once again at the beginning of the act, Hamlet is contemplating suicide, but then all of a sudden his mood changes and at times he is completely sure of himself. At some points it is so difficult for him to make a decision that he becomes filled with affliction. Although he is only pretending to be insane as a way to further investigate his uncle, he occasionally has moments of insanity that causes him to actually seem insane in truth. There are times when Hamlet suddenly explodes into anger or does things that contradict his previous behavior, further fortifying the concept of his madness in the minds of everyone around…show more content…
He is not sure if it is better “to be or not to be” (3.1 ln. 57) or in other words if it is better to be alive or dead. He also wonders if it is better to withstand the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” (3.1 ln. 59) or if it will be better for him to fight back and free himself of his problems by committing suicide. After pondering this for quite some time, he comes to the conclusion that it is the fear “of what dreams may come” during the “sleep of death” that stops him from ending his own life. (3.1 ln. 66). In this scene Hamlet reveals that his thought process is still very rational, but he is starting to become caught up in making…show more content…
After rejecting his mother's invitation and speaking to her as if his prior confrontation in the lobby had never occurred, Hamlet sits next to Ophelia. He and Ophelia talk for a little while before the start of the play and Ophelia remarks that he is in a good mood. In reply Hamlet says, "What should a man do but be merry?" (3.2 ln. 114-115). As Hamlet commentates the play, he also makes nasty remarks about his mother. After Ophelia complains that the prologue was awfully brief, Hamlet replies, "As woman's love," (3.2 ln. 139) infering that his mother is very flighty. When he asks Gertrude what she thinks of the play and she answers by saying, "The lady protests too much, methinks" (3.2 ln. 216), Hamlet responds by saying, "Oh, but she'll keep her word" (3.2 ln. 217). The actress playing the queen has just wished herself misery for the rest of her life and beyond if she were to ever remarry after the death of her husband. Hamlet believes that unlike his mother, the actress playing the queen will not betray her husband the

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