Madness in Hamlet

In the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare, the theme of madness is presented many times. Whether the reason for madness is selfishness, sorrow, or “method,” the result is always death. Clearly, Claudius, Ophelia, and Hamlet are three prime examples of humans who let their emotions overpower them. Obviously, there is reason for each case; however, each differs in its own unique way. Claudius allows his selfishness to reign over him leading to madness. Although …

…deserves to die. The result of Hamlet’s plan is extremely ironic. “Though [it] [is] madness, yet there/is method in’t”(47). Although the reason for Hamlet’s madness differs from the others, it also results in death. Claudius, Ophelia, and Hamlet truly demonstrate how madness can take control of oneself. Although the reason for their madness differs, the outcome is always death. Throughout the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare clearly presents the theme of madness.