his soul has also died. With that enlightenment Hamlet is further charged to fulfill his vow to his father, but not without the absence of sorrow and fear [...] two most characteristic passions of melancholics. 25 With his sorrow and fear of what is to come strong criticism of the milieu arises, while at the same time Hamlet is guilty of its [the milieus] faults [...]. World-weariness and self- alienation are some characteristics shared in common by Hamlet and other malcontents of the age. 26 Although Hamlet feels as if he is the only to ever suffer so great a pain as his depression, his feelings are shared with many historical malcontents, as well as the multitude of people who afflicted with depression who were not recorded in history.All of Hamlets representations of his emotions are visible to the other characters, yet no one truly comprehends the real issue(s) behind Hamlets behavior. All Hamlet can do in his frustrated state is to lash out with bitter cynicism at the evils he sees and then relapse into suicidal melancholy. With Hamlets impulsive mood swings and unpredictable responses, the other characters can only judge for themselves the nature of Hamlets emotions. Even this observance must be done at a safe distance, figuratively, from Hamlet and without his prior knowledge. The character who volunteers the most insight into Hamlets state of mind is Claudius, since Claudius is, and rightly should be, most concerned with Hamlet since Hamlet poses a threat to the throne and his reputation. Claudius does not want to label Hamlet as mad, yet at the same time he does not know how else to go about it. While Claudius is trying to decode Hamlets emotions and intents, Hamlet is working overtime to keep him at bay. During the beginning of the play when Hamlet first returns from Wittenberg and learns of his fathers death, he, as noted many times throughout Act I, is overcome by grief and feelings of melancholy. Whereas Gertrude believes w...
