Hamlet's Madness Essay Example

Ophelia believes Hamlet is mad because of the inconsistencies in Hamlet’s speech and her trust in Polonius. Throughout their conversation in Act 3, scene 1 Hamlet becomes increasingly irrational through his words, attitude, and mannerisms. While he showed he loved her in the first acts, in their conversation he claims to have never loved her:  “You should not have believed me… I loved you not” (3.1.118-120). He is claiming that he deceived her into thinking he loved her, and is, therefore, calling his old self a liar. It is easier for her to believe that Hamlet is just mad, rather than believe that he never loved her. Furthermore, he directly lies to her face. When she brings up the remembrances that he had given her, he denies that he ever gave them: “Ophelia: my lord, I have remembrances of yours… Hamlet: no, no, not I. I never gave you aught… Ophelia: my honoured lord, I know right well you did” (3.1.94,97-98). 

Ophelia knew  that he did indeed give her those gifts, and does not understand the reasoning for denying (because of the association with Gertrude and Claudius), so the only rational explanation that she can think of for his denial would be madness. In addition, she believes he is truly mad because of her fathers beliefs. In act 1, Polonius does not see Hamlet as mad nor does he believe that Hamlet truly loves Ophelia: “Do not believe his vows, for they are brokers… mere implorators of unholy suits” (1.3.127,129). He thinks that Hamlet is empty making vows of love to take advantage of Ophelia sexually, but in act 2 his mindset changes. He now believes that Hamlet is mad and that his madness is due to Ophelia: “This is the very ecstasy of love… that hath made him mad” (2.1.103, 112). His complete change in belief is particularly profound given that he is egotistical and stubborn. Ophelia’s final words in her conversation with Hamlet echo Polonius’ words from scene 2: “like sweet bells jangled out of tune… blasted with ecstasy” (3.1.159,161). Her use of the same word, ecstasy, shows that she has internalized the message Polonius told her. 

Ophelia trusts and depends on Polonius’ opinion especially since she belonged to him until marriage, this was the custom during the Elizabethan era and Hamlet's speech strengthens her trust in Polonius. While some people, like Claudius, interpreted Hamlet's speech as a sign he was faking, Ophelia interprets his speech as evidence of true madness because of the prior events (such as Hamlet's silent and spontaneous visit) and messages from others.