as gone to see hismother in an attempt to force her to purge herself of her sin, her hastymarriage to Claudius. As he attempts to make his mother see her wrongs, hescreams at her: Nay, but to live in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed,stewed in corruption, honeying and making love (III.iv.92-95). This attackon his mother clearly shows that he has gone beyond merely playing the roleof a moralist, for he has crossed the line between sanity and insanity with hiswild and whirling words.After this attack on his mother, Hamlet furthers his irrational behaviorby killing Polonius, who was standing behind the curtain in his mothersroom. As Polonius slumps out from behind the curtain, the queen exclaimsO me, what hast thou done?. Hamlet replies, Nay, I know not. Is it theking? After the slaying, Hamlet appears to justify the killing in his ownmind by stating that Polonius death is almost as bad, good mother, as kill aking and marry with his brother (III.iv.30-31). Hamlets excuse for themurder is irrational, for he left Claudius a scene before, and did not take anyaffirmative action then. He continues to verbally attack his mother, and doesnot cease until his next meeting with the ghost. Hamlet is indeed actingmadly, and without justification. As he continues the attack on his mother, the ghost appears in anightgown. Hamlet appears to come back to his senses, his mood changes,and begs for guidance: Save me, and hover oer me with your wings, youheavenly guards! What would your gracious figure? The queen, obliviousto Hamlets hallucinations, cries out: Alas, hes mad! (III.iv.107-109). Thequeen is now convinced of Hamlets psychosis, as she has what appears to besolid evidence that Hamlet is hallucinating and talking to himself.After Hamlet kills Polonius, he will not tell anyone where the body is. Instead, he assumes the role of a madman once again, speaking in agrotesque and ironic manner. The king asks him, Now Hamlet, wheresPolonius? ...
