Blog #7

One definition of madness is "mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it." But Emily Dickinson wrote: “Much madness is divinest/Sense-To a discerning Eye.” Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a "discerning Eye." Select a novel or play in which a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the "madness" to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

I have read and understand the sections in the Student Handbook regarding Mason High School's Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I am certifying that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act, which could include a "0" on the paper, as well as an "F" as a final grade in the course.

John Cudjoe

HAMLET ANALYSIS

Ophelia’s Mental Breakdown was not all crazy talk for nothing. Instead it was very Informative and insightful in clarifying the current events of the story. Madness gives people the license to tell the truth. Madness is a response to a world that has gone wrong. Before the play involves her she is innocent obedient and sweet.

Once Ophelia fell in love and her brother and father and the royal family started getting involved. Now she has to combine her relationship with hamlet to all her other connections. When other people bring their advice and opinion into their relationship, it results into a horrific break up for her.

“By Gis and by Saint Charity, Alack, and fie for shame! Young men will do’t if they come to’t, by Cock, they are to blame. Before you tumbled me you promised me to wed. So would I’a’done, by yonder sun, an thou hadst not come to my bed.” (Hamlet)  This quote helps discuss the stress being put onto her by hamlet and his promises. This factor helped some of her positive dreams that she was looking forward to.

On top of that Ophelia has no decision of her own to make. Her unique, naïve, child like nature may just have been the push over type attitude that help lead her to get bullied around by these guys. The time period was also key to help influence this. All decisions are made by her family or by her brother. Not having a life of her own was also partial into breaking her into madness. Once she goes mad she is able to make her own decisions.

“May give his saying deed, which is no further Than the main voice of Denmark goes withal. Then weigh what you’re your honor may sustain If with too credent ear you list his songs, Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open To his unmastered importunity. Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister, And keep you in the rear of your affection, Out of shot and danger of desire.”(Hamlet) This quote is an example of Laretes contributing in the control of Ophelia’s personal relationship Hamlet. 

So in her madness she begins to sing songs. And in those songs she begins to tell the truth about everything. When Ophelia handed out the herbs she was trying to find someone to console to. Her conversation to Laretes was her trying to reach out to him to remember how she used to be sane.

“Pray mark listen to me pray lets have no words of this but when they ask you what it means say you this.” (Hamlet)  This is the phrase she used so that she could get a word in edge wise against the men that mainly dominated her life. This Phrase is also what represents her independence, and her power of being free from the men that controlled her.

“I hope all will be well. We must be patient, but I cannot choose but weep to think they would lay him I’ th’ cold ground.” (Hamlet)   This portion of the quote it part of the burden of the death of her father, which help lead to her madness.

“My brother shall know of it; and so I thank you for your good counsel. Come, my coach! Goodnight, ladies, good night Sweet ladies, good night , good night. ” The involvement of the king is expressed through this quote when she uses the word counsel. That is the key word that she has been taking direct orders from the king himself