Hamlet #5

In our last class we discussed possible reasoning for why Hamlet makes the decision to act insane. Throughout the beginning of the Act 3, another possibility for Hamlet's intentional insanity becomes clear. As the first scene of the third act comes to a close, Polonius' and Claudius' planned meeting for Ophelia and Hamlet occurs. Ophelia takes further steps to distance herself emotionally from Hamlet, returning gifts that he had previously given to her. Although Hamlet's reaction is taken as symptoms of his supposed insanity, it appears to the audience that Hamlet grows annoyed with Ophelia's emotional rejection. Hamlet becomes outwardly cynical and says, "I say, we will have no more/marriages. Those that are married already, all but one, shall/live. The rest shall keep as they are" (III.i.147-149). Hamlet's proposal for no more marriages is a partial reaction to Ophelia's rejection but also a reaction to his mother's recent marriage. He is upset that the girl he loves is distancing herself from him, and he is angry that Gertrude betrayed King Hamlet through her relationship with Claudius. If there were no more marriages, Hamlet would never be able to marry Ophelia, and his proposal suggests that he does not love her anymore. Although Hamlet says all marriages can remain after his suggestion is adopted, he makes the point to add that one marriage will end. His exception addresses Gertrude's marriage to Claudius. Hamlet does not believe that his mother should have married his uncle in the first place, which is why he does not believe they should be permitted to remain married. Although Hamlet calls for the outlaw of marriage, he is being dramatic and does not truly want what he requests. If Hamlet was thought to be sane, his diatribe would be seen as inappropriate. Hamlet's ranting provides another possible reason for his false insanity. He is able to complain openly and honestly about whatever he would like without criticism and judgment from others. Although this reason lacks valid justification, Hamlet could be tired of complaining about his life only to himself. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet would often be alone and complaining about his problems and his pretend insanity allows him to publicize his personal issues.