In Hamlet, by Shakespeare, the theme of madness is a prevalent theme which is portrayed through several

characters in the play. The initial point at which madness is evident is when Hamlet is left to seek revenge
upon the murderer of his father. Hamlet initiates his scheme to attain revenge in order to gain a perfect
opportunity to kill the murderer, Claudius.
Hamlet

Throughout the play, Hamlets insanity is questioned, whether or not he is truly mad, or only pretending to
be. Hamlets despiteful remarks against Gertrude demonstrate his hatred and cruelty towards her. Ears
without feeling, feeling without sight/Ears without hands or eyes, smellings sans all/Or but a sickly part of
one true sense/Could not so mope" (III.iv.78-81) Hamlet is truly upset about the death of his father, and is
determined to kill Claudius, but his behavior towards his mother and Ophelia, the woman he loves proves
his lack of sanity. Through Hamlets actions, it is evident he is still sane because he arranges the play and
asks Horatio to Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt/Do not itself unkennel in one speech/It is a
damned ghost that we have seen/And my imaginations are as foul" (III.ii.82-85). Hamlet also demonstrates
madness when he questions his presense and purpose on earth, and thinks about suicide. Hamlet creates a
mysterious and nifty character throughout the play, and with his role playing and acts of madness develops
his character in a sane manner.
Ophelia

Ophelia develops a different variation of madness created by her love and hate towards everyone in her
life, which she develops after the death of her father. After the tragic death of her father, Polonius, who
was killed by Hamlet, Ophelia is devastated. Ophelias hatred is evident when she sings about the bakers
daughter" which is an indirect reference to her relationship with her and Polonius. Well, Gold ild you!
They say the owl was a bakers daughter; Lord, we know that we are, but know not what we may be. God
be at your table" (IV.v.40-42). Her madness over the loss of love is evident when she sings about
Valentines day, To-morrow is Saint Valentines day/All in the morning betime/And I a maid at your
window/To be your Valentine" (IV.v.46-49), which is reference to the love Ophelia embraces for Hamlet.
Overall, Ophelia develops her madness to express how she is unable to adjust with the immediate losses in
her life.
Laertes

Near the end of the play, Laertes is frustrated and angry to hear about the death of his father. Laertes
madness is driven by his rage to seek revenge upon the murderer, Hamlet. Laertes declares he would cut
his throat i the church" (IV.vii.126), which demonstrates Laertes eagerness and madness to kill. Along with
the death of his father, the immediate death of his sister gives Laertes more reason to kill Hamlet. Laertes
madness is defeated when he considers the apology from Hamlet, proving he isnt actually insane, but
consists of the qualities, strength and power to execute his plans. Amongst all the characters within the
play, Ophelia was the one person who was infected by true insanity, whereas Hamlets and Laertes
madness is controllable and dont possess true insanity. All the characters had one thing in common, their
madness was driven and encouraged by a devastating loss in their lives. All the actions of Hamlet, Laertes
and Ophelia impact all the characters within the play.