Voltaire's Madness In Hamlet

Hamlet has been adored by countless viewers, and is still in production in theatres all over the world, despite it being written over 400 years ago. As to be expected of such a famous play, there have been countless critics disparaging it. Voltaire 's review, in particular, stands out from the rest. Voltaire profusely argues that Hamlet was written by a “drunken savage,” and that it is a “vulgar and barbarous drama,” where “Hamlet becomes crazy in the second act.” Hamlet’s berserk actions were entirely fabricated to hide his true intentions, meticulously conceived by the playmaster himself, Shakespeare. To the careful eye, it is as clear as day that Hamlet is not mad, as through all of his seemingly crazed and spastic actions, he is very …show more content…
Voltaire calls Shakespeare a “Drunken savage” to have written this play, and it is clear as to why he thought this way. The part where Hamlet says to Polonius, “Let her not walk i ' the sun: conception is a blessing: / but not as your daughter may conceive" (II. ii.176-7). Insulting a father and making fun of his daughter potentially getting pregnant, definitely seems savage for its time period. That is, until one understands what Hamlet is really trying to grab at. Again, Hamlet is secretly remarking on Polonius’s fathering skills and the whole reason why he separated Hamlet from Ophelia. Polonius thought that Hamlet was just interested in Ophelia for the sex, and thus, Polonius made Ophelia break up with him. Hamlet is well aware of all this, and is saying how if Polonius is so afraid that his “daughter may conceive”, then he may as well “let her not walk i’ the sun.” He is simply saying that Polonius is being way too overprotective, as even the sun may get her pregnant, and he can’t protect her from that. This is Hamlet’s method of subtly showing the viewer that he is indeed not mad, but is completely aware of what’s going on with the other characters in the