ingly. By putting on this scheme it would serve himbetter on his quest as opposed to going about his business in a sane and rational manner. Firstly, it allowed Hamlet to confuse those around him about what the cause of histroubled mind was and, also, about what his true intentions are behind any of his actions. This thought is portrayed through Hamlet deceiving Polonius into believing that his lovefor Ophelia was the root of his madness. Consequently, Polonius went immediately to theking and queen who remark: “Do you think ‘tis this? / It may be; very like” (2.2.151-52). After Hamlet’s encounter with the ghost, he obtains a great distrust and distaste forwomen. His feigned madness permitted Hamlet to express these emotions freely towardsOphelia: “...Get thee to a nunnery, / farewell. Or if thou wilt needs marry, marry a / fool;for wise men know well enough what monsters / you make of them...” (3.1.138-41). Itwas also important for Hamlet to be so vulgar towards Ophelia because it would not havebeen possible for him to continue being a caring loving boyfriend while attempting toavenge his father’s death. Lastly, by pretending to be mentally disturbed, it providedHamlet with an excuse for any sinful deeds he would commit on his pursuit of revenge. Hamlet exemplifies this conception as he seeks for Laertes forgiveness for murdering hisfather Polonius: “If Hamlet from himself be ta’en away, / And when he’s not himself doeswrong Laertes, / Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it. / Who does it then? Hismadness...” (5.2.230-33). Hamlet’s pursuit of the truth and revenge was much betteraccompanied by madness rather than sanity which gave Hamlet a clear motive to fabricateinsanity in the play. In the midst of Hamlet’s supposed madness, the prince continues to speakrationally with certain individuals as well as maintain sensible and logical thoughts. Thi...
