eed and obsession of Claudius' crimes. Ophelia's madness is also shown in sharp contrast to the fictitious insanity of Hamlet. Ophelia's breakdown is much swifter than the apparent onset of madness in Hamlet. Within a matter of hours after hearing the news of the murder of her father Polonius Ophelia is functionally disabled. Her replies to the remarks and questions of the King and Queen are made in song, with memories of long past promises of marriage by prince Hamlet. After trying to converse with Ophelia, Laertes' comment about her exemplifies Ophelia's insanity; "A document in madness - thoughts and remembrances fitted." (IV. iv. 171). Hamlets counterfeit madness was a gradually escalating process wherein he methodically planned his revenge and always acted in conscious manner. When compared to Laertes, Hamlet used much more judgement and discretion whenn seeking his revenge. Immediately upon receiving news of his father's murder, Laertes storms into the castle in a rage. He showed no plan, but sheer anger when seeking his revenge. He was emphatic and wild, whereas Hamlet was controlled and rational. Examples throughout the play show that Hamlet was in no uncertain terms completely and absolutely sane. He was rational and invariably conscious of his actions. In comparison to other characters in the play Hamlet's sanity is clearly defined. Hamlet knew that a falsified madness would hold off opposing forces long enough to seek revenge, and brilliantly played the part. ...
