For many readers, Hamlet is a complex character that goes mad because of the anger that he feels as a result of his father being murdered. But, the inner conflict that sets the events in motion is a direct result of the trauma he experiences and not as a result of his childhood experiences, but of the tragedy of losing his father. The play centers on the basic code of chivalry as Hamlet embraces the thoughts of avenging his father’s death and that he must seek honor at all cost. The inner conflicts forces Hamlet to maintain the pretense of madness. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” reveals the inner conflicts and the changes in the main character’s life lead to the psychological challenges that in turn leads him to true madness.
The events that Hamlet experiences are traumatic, he learns that his uncle killed his father and married his mother. The turn of events leads to Hamlet’s hyper-vigilance and his irritability towards Ophelia who becomes “so affrighted” (Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act 2, Scene 1, pages 1032). Arguably, Hamlet does not display the typical stress disorder despite the fact that he becomes almost detached from his body. Instead, the readers see that Hamlet in control of his emotions as he carefully plans his revenge.
Additionally, Hamlet does not display the typical behavior of one who is psychologically imbalanced despite his pretense to be mad. He does not multiple personalities which could help to understand the different characters that he plays when he is with Ophelia, Claudius or his mother. But, the changes in his moods and actions forces Ophelia to admit that his actions made her frightened (Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act 2, Scene 1, lines 1032). Although Hamlet shows different behaviors, one cannot say that he is psychologically imbalances as he maintains his identity and he has control over his actions.
In concluding, Hamlet actions and his pretence at being mad are truly pretentious. He does not fit the psychological interpretations of a mad person as his speech is coherent throughout the play. Additionally, he does not have hallucinations except in the case where he believes that he sees his father’s ghosts. Clearly, Hamlet’s actions result from his need for revenge and not on his psychological state.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William, Hamlet: Prince of Denmark, Complete Text, PDF files
