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The actions Hamlet demonstrate as the play progresses provide a glimpse at the stability of his mind. The first exhibition of his building madness can be seen when Hamlet states he will "put an antic disposition on-" (2.1, 181). This statement occurs after his conversation with the ghost. Hamlet's downward spiral into genuine madness proved to be just the beginning by deciding to act mad instead of continuing with his grief as a front for his revenge. By acting mad, he is unintentionally drawing attention to himself, his actions and will postpone his attempt at vengeance. The second manifestation can be seen in his treatment of Ophelia. "O my lord, my lord, I have been so affrighted" (2.1, 77). She has done nothing to Hamlet yet; he attempts to scare her as part of his plan to seem mad. However, this is not a childish prank, or an act but, an over exaggeration due to his slipping mind. Another demonstration is in the dumb show. The question arises, what did he hope to accomplish by the timing of it. He already believes Claudius is the culprit. Apparently, this was his master plan to show King Claudius he knew about his father. However, the show implied that a nephew was the killer and alerted the king to take measures against Hamlet thereby, making the court and the king wary of Hamlet's behaviors. This was not the act of a sane individual clearly he was advancing in his instability. A further illustration in his increasing madness is in the treatment of his mother. By the time he is asked to visit with her, he has lost reality. His suspicions about the King have been confirmed and he has revealed the secret of his madness act to the King. The conversation with his mother is full of sexual connotations and angered outbursts. Therefore, Hamlet's madness has reached its climax and his pretenses have now consumed him.
In order to diagnose Hamlet as having schizophrenia, the definition of the disorder should be given.
