Why Would Hamlet Choose to Feign Madness?

Shakespeare's portrayal of Hamlet in Hamlet diverges from the original Danish legend of Amleth, altering a key aspect that impacts the very core of Hamlet's character. While Amleth feigned madness to protect himself from his uncle who had murdered his father, Hamlet's choice to feign madness serves a more complicated and perhaps disconcerting purpose. This essay explores why Hamlet would choose to feign madness and the dramatic practices that emerged from this choice.

Amleth vs. Hamlet: A Comparative Analysis

Amleth from the original Danish story feigned madness to avoid being killed by his uncle, Feng, who had murdered his father, Horvendill. The belief that madmen were blessed by the gods and that killing them brought bad luck was a significant deterrent. Feng, however, devised various traps to test Amleth’s sanity, but Amleth always managed to outwit him. This contrast highlights the strategic and calculated nature of Amleth's actions, driven by a clear objective and formidable intellect.

Shakespeare's Adaptation of the Original Tale

Shakespeare adheres closely to the original plot of Hamlet, but he makes a crucial change that deeply impacts the narrative. In the original story, only Amleth’s uncle Feng knew that his father had been murdered. However, in Shakespeare's version, the revelation of Claudius having murdered Hamlet's father is known only to Hamlet himself, thanks to the ghost of Hamlet's father. This difference means that Hamlet's feigned madness draws attention instead of shielding him from potential danger.

While Amleth's feigned madness protected him, Hamlet's feigned madness serves to rouse suspicion. Claudius, the villain, becomes more wary of Hamlet, who increasingly draws attention to himself through his behavior. In essence, Hamlet's feigned madness turns him into a target rather than an ally, undermining the logic of his strategic choice.

Hamlet's Procrastination and Overthinking

Where Amleth is portrayed as sly and dynamic, Hamlet is often characterized as overly thoughtful and procrastinating. Hamlet is often criticized for failing to adhere to good dramatic practices due to Hamlet's inaction. However, Shakespeare's genius in language and character development has ensured that the play remains one of the greatest ever written. This success is partly due to Hamlet's complex character, who often weighs his options too heavily, leading to missed opportunities and prolonged crises.

Hamlet and Attention-Seeking Behavior

The concept of "antic disposition," which translates to self-centered behavior that draws attention, is a significant theme in Hamlet. The cultural context of Shakespeare's time lacked a phrase like "drama queen," so any behavior outside the norm was seen as an "antic disposition." Hamlet's betrothal to Ophelia, a noblewoman who was expected to be seen and not heard, is a case in point. Ophelia's behavior is often portrayed as self-centered and attention-seeking, which Hamlet observes with disdain.

Hamlet seems to view Ophelia’s antics as a form of self-parody, mocking the very behavior expected of her. His underlying belief is that women, and particularly Ophelia, should not be the center of attention in male-dominated spaces. Hamlet's internal conflict is thus not just about revenge or moral justice but also about the social roles and expectations that dictate his and others' behaviors.

Conclusion

The decision to feign madness in Hamlet is a multifaceted choice that reflects the complex dynamics of power, suspicion, and attention in the play. Shakespeare's adaptation transforms a strategic act of avoidance into a contentious behavior that ultimately endangers Hamlet. This essay underscores the importance of understanding the original source material in relation to Shakespeare's reimagining and the broader themes of drama and psychological subtlety in his masterpiece.