Hamlet :: essays research papers

Great literary works retain their popularity as a result of many different portions. One such factor which can lead to popularity of a work, current or consistent raillery of a works merits, can come into play when an author or playwright leaves questions unanswered in his work. In small town, William Shakespeare creates such a situation. As a result of the ambiguity of clues given passim this play, critics may argue for or against the idea that Prince crossroadss "antic disposition" put on as a facade to mislead the royal family pales in comparison to the disposition of critical points moonstruck mind, or in other words, that Hamlet in fact really succumbs to insanity. Evidence for this opinion can be derived from Hamlets erratic mood changes, inattentive slaughter of those not directly involved in the murder of his father, and interactions with the move of King Hamlet.For a man thought to be feigning insanity, Prince Hamlet seems to have very little control of his emotions. In fact, Hamlet admits this to Horatio, his confidant, when he says, "Sir, in my heart there was a kind of fighting / That would not let me sleep" (5.2. lines 4-5). This lack of restraint leads to Hamlets unpredictable mood swings throughout the play. Hamlets human relationship with Ophelia easily spawns such dramatic alterations in the princes attitude. For example, when Hamlet number one suspects Ophelia acts only as the pawn for Poloniuss ploys, he reacts rashly, bitterly denying that he always loved her. "You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so / inoculate our older stock, but we shall relish of it. I loved / you not" (3.1.117-19). This massive turnround in disposition is later contrasted by another reversal when Hamlet leaps into Ophelias open grave at her funeral to dispute Laertes and claim, "I loved Ophelia, 40 thousand brothers / Could not with all their quantity of love / Make up my sum" (5.1.252-54). These abrupt mood changes also appear in Hamlets relationship with his mother. He seemed to believe in his mothers purity and goodness, but eventually Hamlet seems to hold a great mount of contempt for Gertrude, especially when he mocks her words, and then snidely proclaims "You are the queen, your husbands brothers wife, / And would it were not so, you are my mother" (3.4.15-16). much(prenominal) mood swings as these definitely prove, if anything, that Hamlet could not keep comely control of his emotions.