Madness Theme In Hamlet

Throughout Shakespeare’s writing, he develops a common theme that many forms of madness leads to death. He illustrates the theme through his character such as those portrayed in the tragedy of Hamlet. These characters are overtaken by their own form of madness. The descent into insanity lead to characters’ taking extreme actions. Shakespeare implies the theme of madness throughout the plot of Hamlet. Madness is portrayed through the protagonist, Hamlet and spreads like a plague to those around him. Hamlet’s madness begins when he visualizes his father’s ghost, revealing the truth behind his death. Exposed to the idea that his uncle, Claudius has murdered King Hamlet, Hamlet sets out with determination to avenge his father’s wrongful death. He then decides that he would first need to confirm the truth behind his father’s words. …show more content…
When those who know his begin to question his mental state, Polonius believes that is it because of Hamlet’s love towards his daughter, Ophelia. Ophelia is forbidden to associate with Hamlet which drives him into insanity. A play is arranged by Hamlet which depicts the re-enactment of his father’s death. Upon Claudius’ reaction, Hamlet confirms that what his father has said is true. Hamlet’s sanity deteriorates further and causes him to mistakenly kill Polonius. Claudius realizing that Hamlet is suspicious, begins to descend into madness caused by fear of being revealed. When news of her father’s death reaches Ophelia, she is overcome by madness due to her sorrow. Men have always dictated Ophelia’s actions throughout her life, this making her dependent on them. Now as Hamlet and her Father are no longer in her life, Ophelia’s sanity is lost. Through her actions a gentleman notices and tells the Queen,
“She speaks much of her father; says she