Behind the mask, is hidden the secret of King Hamlet's death, and Hamlet's promise to the ghost to avenge his father's death. ... When Claudius marries Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, Hamlet is filled with rage and disgust. The ghost asks Hamlet to avenge his father's death, and Hamlet promises that he will do so. ... In this way, Hamlet is using his power of analysis, and therefore cannot be truly crazy. ... Overall, Hamlet is a man of radical contradictions. ...

• Word Count: 1516
• Approx Pages: 6

Through an analysis of several important scenes and the actions of the characters involved, Shakespeare's message about the importance of both reason and passion becomes evident. ... Although Hamlet is not a completely irrational character, the ghost evokes enough emotion to stir Hamlet's soul and gear him towards murder. ... Although there may be a variety of factors why Hamlet does not kill Claudius instantly, it may be argued that Hamlet is displaying rational behavior, and this rational behavior keeps him from bloody murder. ... Hamlet appears lost in a blanket of emotions that...

• Word Count: 1742
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School