The Sane Hamlet Essays -- GCSE English Literature Coursework

The Sane Hamlet Hamlet contains the classic argument between whether or not Hamlet is mad, or a sane man under difficult circumstances. Hamlet assumes antic-disposition at times to uncover the truth of his fathers death. From my perspective I believe that Hamlets actions and thoughts are a logical response to the situation in which he finds himself. In the first act, Hamlet appears to be very straightforward in his actions and thoughts. When questioned by Gertrude about his melancholy appearance, Hamlet says, Seems, madam? Nay it is know not seems (I, ii, 76). This is to say, I am what I appear to be. Later he makes a clear statement about his thoughts when he commits himself to revenge. Hamlet says, Ill wipe away all trivial fond records, All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, That youth and manifestation copied there, And thy commandment all alone shall live Within the book and volume of my brai... ...his mirror Hamlet and the Imitation of Revenge. Critical Essays on Shakespeares Hamlet. Ed. David Scott Kaston. New York City Prentice mansion house International. 1995. 198-209 Rose, Mark. Reforming the Role. Modern Critical Interpretations Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York City Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. 117-128 Wiggins, Martin. Hamlet Within the Prince. New Essays on Hamlet. Ed. Mark Thornton Burnett and John Manning. New York AMS Press, 1994. 209-226.