Hamlet Psychological Effects Of Death

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, addresses several psychological and sociological issues associated with the death of a loved one. Understanding the psychological effects of losing a loved one can assist in a deeper analytical understanding of why Hamlet behaves the way he does. He faces the death of his dear father in Shakespeare’s tragedy, and throughout the play, the psychological effects of Hamlet losing his beloved father can be diagnosed as depression. Losing a loved one is always difficult and unsettling, and is illustrated through Hamlet’s actions and dialogue in the play. Consequently, Hamlet is also useful in embarking on an analysis of the psychological effects of death of a loved one because it reinforces the fact that death can be a arduous thing to endure, especially the death of a person who is precious to you. Therefore, …show more content…
Hamlet traverses through numerous stages to express his grief over the death of his father, ultimately leading him depression and contemplation of suicide. When Hamlet talks to his step-father, Claudius, and his mother, he states, “tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, nor customary suits of solemn black… together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief, that can denote me truly” (I, ii, 77-8, 82-3). Hamlet explains why he is dressed fully in black, to mourn his beloved father. While the King entreats Hamlet to overcome the feeling of despair, Hamlet initially obeys but upon further reflection becomes furious at what Claudius has said. Hamlet’s anger is directed at Claudius since he seems to have replaced his father as King. However, his anger more likely stems from him being distraught that his father has died. Later on in the play, when Hamlet meets his father’s ghost, he feels the need for revenge upon discovering that Claudius murdered his father. This rage was enhanced since his mother was now married to his father’s murderer. The feeling of