The Problem of Hamlet’s Madness

The Problem of Hamlet’s Madness
There is a difference of opinion about the disposition of Hamlet. One issue that we encounter at the time of reading the play is whether Hamlet’s madness is feigned or real. We have divided opinions of scholars around the globe. There are scholars who claim to believe that perhaps, hamlet has lost his sense of reason due to the pressure of circumstances prevailing in his homely atmosphere such as his mother hasty remarriage, suspicious character of Uncle Claudius (his second father) and unexpected arrival of the Ghost revealing the brutal murder of Hamlet’s father. Other think that it appears that Hamlet’s madness, is the “ant disposition” which he has decided early in the play to wear a mask. Here, as before, never, so help you mercy How strange or odd so ‘e’er I bear myself, As I perchance hereafter shall think meet, To put an antic disposition on…………
In the view of the decision of Hamlet, we can interpret that it was his self-created behavior, disguised himself in order to achieve his objectives. Therefore it doesn’t seem right to interpret his behavior which at times is odd, strange, as madness.
Those, who think that Hamlet has gone mad, certainly have good reasons to believe. In Act II, Scene I (Lines 77-84 and 87-100), Ophelia poraiyal of Hamlet’s strange behavior when he comes to pay her a visit in her closet in a state disordered garments and, taking her by the wrist and holding her hand, scrutinized her face and raised a sigh “so piteous and profound as it did seem to shatter all his bulk”. When Ophelia’s father hears the description he jumps to the conclusion that his abnormal state is due to the disappointment or failure in pursuit of love .Polonius call Hamlet’s mental stage as “the very ecstasy of love”.Polonius without wasting time hurries to acquaint this news to the King. The confirmation of the news that Hamlet is mad will be made evident when Hamlet speaks to Polonius, to courtiers, to the King and even more when Hamlet murders Ophelia’s father. The conversation among Hamlet and Plonius clearly proves Hamlet not being in his right position. Hamlet calls Polonius a “Fishmonger” and insults him with satirical remarks ot even thinking that he was his would-be father in law,he further remarks about Ophelia “Let her not walk in the sun conception is aa blessing;but not as your daughter may convceive –friend look to “t”.These apprehension are further strength in the same secence when he talk to