You also may see it as foolishness or stupidity; whichever way you do madness is viewed by many as insanity. ... For others, insanity is seen as someone who has "gone mad." ... Out of all the characters, Ophelia and Hamlet can mainly be portrayed as the ones going mad throughout the story. ... Hamlets first real action of madness happens when the actors come to the castle and put on a short act. ... Ophelia's madness is more emotion than anything along with some insanity as well. ...

• Word Count: 719
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Death, madness, and lies are the perfect themes to make up an ideal tragic story. ... In theory, Hamlet could have killed Claudius while feigning insanity. ... Hamlet's rudeness and rejection through this part of the play drives her even closer to insanity. ... The news of Polonius" death was just enough to throw her over the edge of insanity. ... A short while after, Ophelia is found dead in a river, having drown that afternoon. ...

• Word Count: 1430
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Based on the short initial scene of Act IV, is it unclear if Gertrude truly believes Hamlet is mad or not. ... Hamlet therefore is faking his insanity whereas Ophelia is not. ... For one it adds comic relief to the story, which up to that point had been filled with intense dialogue and tragic events. ...

• Word Count: 833
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School