Ophelias Madness in Hamlet - 612 Words

Madness is usually misinterpreted and misconstrued. Sometimes it is faked, sometimes it is nonsensical. However, that is not always the case. Ophelia’s madness in Shakespeare’s Hamlet is real and of great significance; furthermore, when seen with a discerning eye, Ophelia’s actions might not seem as irrational and without meaning and cause. Shakespeare displays Ophelia’s madness through her deranged singing and through the reactions of the other character to her strange behaviors. Throughout Act 4, Scene 5 of Hamlet, Ophelia sings in lieu of her usual formal speech. Gertrude had been warned by the gentleman prior to Ophelia’s entrance that â€Å"her speech is nothing† (4.5.7). When Ophelia enters, her first lines in the scene, after asking where Gertrude is, are of song. Ophelia sings, â€Å"How should I your true love know From another one? By his cockle hat and staff, And his sandal shoon,† which Gertrude does not understand (4.5.22- 25). Ophelia’s behavior has everyone concerned. When Ophelia leaves the first time, Claudius requests Horatio to â€Å"follow her closely† which reiterates Ophelia’s instability (4.5.73). Her brother Laertes also mentions her madness when he exclaims, â€Å"O heavens, is’t possible a young maid’s wits Should be as mortal as a poor man’s life?† (4.5.158-159). Ophelia’s madness is not without cause. Ophelia’s intense grief is the source of her madness. She suffers multiple blows to her heart. These blows are represented in her song. First, Hamlet, who she lovesShow MoreRelatedHamlet and Ophelia’s Madness Essay674 Words   |  3 PagesThe Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is one of Shakespeare’s most tragic plays. Most of the characters in this play suffered a heartbreaking death, although, all of the characters faced anger, regret, madness or distress. Madness was a reoccurring theme in this play, two cha racters portrayed this more than others. 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