Hamlets Sanity
Hamlet appears to be insane, after Poloniuss death, in act IV scene II. There are
indications, though, that persuade me to think other wise. Certainly, Hamlet has plenty of
reasons to be insane at this point. His day has been hectic-he finally determined Claudius
had killed his father, the chance to kill Claudius confronted him, he comes very close to
convincing Gertrude that Claudius killed his father, he accidentally kills Polonius, and
finally the ghost of his father visits him. These situations are enough to bring Hamlet to
insanity, but he remains sharp and credible.
Hamlet is able to make smart remarks to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, comparing then to
sponges, “When he (Claudius) needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and,
sponge, you shall be dry again,” (pg 98, 20). This is random and unexpected, as many of
his actions, but the comparison makes sense; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern soak up all the
kings favors, only to become dry again after they mop up the Kings mess (spying on
Hamlet, and getting Poloniuss body). Later, with Claudius, Hamlet tells how lowly a king
can be by saying, “A man (beggar) may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat
of the fish that hath fed of that worm,” (pg 99, 29). This also makes sense, and is not quite
as random; when Hamlet confronts Claudius, and the king asks where Polonius is, Hamlet
immediately
begins the comparison by telling Claudius that Polonuis is at supper (the worms are eating