with a successful plan to prove Claudius guilt shows that he in full control of his mental state, and that he is far too intelligent to be mad.The relationship that Ophelia and Hamlet had in the play could be construed as insane behavior or the main character. Hamlet goes from treating Ophelia with great tenderness, to telling her she is a whore, and he does not love her. Hamlet's treatment of Ophelia can definitely be considered irrational, and without logic. In a letter to Ophelia, Hamlet declares his love by saying "doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love" (II.ii.46). These words sound like those of a romantic and dedicated lover, and yet, Hamlet turns around and acts with complete coldness at their next meeting. Only a few days later, Hamlet denounces his love, and accuses Ophelia of being dishonest, saying, "I did love you once...I love you not...if thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery [mockingly meaning a brothel], farewell. Or if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly too" (III.i.79). This is quite a contrast from Hamlet's request for Ophelia to "never doubt [he] loves" (II.ii.46). When asked by her father Polonius whether she thinks Hamlet is "mad for thy love?", Ophelia answered, "I truly do fear it." (III.ii.81) By any measure, Hamlet's treatment of his love Ophelia defies logic, and thus can be considered quite irrational. But love is a pursuit that is neither rational nor logical. Love is governed by the heart, and thus is difficult to explain. Hamlet's treatment of Ophelia is irrational, and illogical, but this does not make Hamlet insane. Hamlet is confused, and angry over his father's death, and in addition, Polonius tells his daughter not to speak ...
