Oliver 1

Troi Oliver

Ms. White

AP English and Lit

10 May 2022

Senior Paper Analysis for Hamlet

“I am but mad north-north-west.When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a

handsaw.” (2.2.402-403). The emotions of madness consistently come and go throughout an

individual's life, occasionally causing disruption to one's lifestyle. For instance the play Hamlet

demonstrates many momentous events mankind may experience and take part of throughout

one's life. Expressing complex themes like relationships, revenge, and madness. Notably, these

experiences the play refers to often provide clarification and guidance to many who experience

similar conditions and imply how to benefit from these challenging circumstances. The play

mimics lifelike events demonstrating overwhelming emotions and a lack of control, loss,

grievance, death, and treachery. Though the play Hamlet originates from the Renaissance and

Elizabethan Culture time period in the year 1603, today its importance is considered valid as it

successfully advises individuals how they may construct better choices themselves by learning

from history. Therefore, as the characters within Hamlet explore realistic impactful experiences

such as death, emotional control, and betrayal, they also ensure the audience counseling by

explaining the chaoticness that often may come along with many of the same human conditions.

In theory, through the work of the play and throughout the various acts of Laertes attempting to

protect his family, Hamlet contemplating suicide, and the disloyalty between all, does the play

imply how to manage such events.

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To begin with, the play Hamlet illustrates the character Laertes as an individual of many

emotions and motives. Relatably, his character advertises the difficulty in decision making when

also in the presence of an unstable, irrational, or impulsive individual. Ultimately, the play

provides the character with various outbursts of emotions that display overprotective concerns,

revenge, honor, love, and anger. Generally speaking, towards the beginning of the play, Laertes

begins to express a state of being overprotective towards his younger sister Ophelia, when she

finds herself experiencing intimate feelings for Hamlet. Specifically, Laertes states

For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favor,

Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood.

A violet in the youth of primy nature,

Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,

The perfume and suppliance of a minute,

No more. (1.3. 6-11)

Unfortunately, when Laertes had discovered that his younger sister, Ophelia had

developed stronger feelings for Hamlet, meaning romantically. Laertes had evolved an

overprotective trait in an attempt to protect her as her older brother. In fact, Laertes expressed

his concerns to Ophelia only to warn her of Hamlet's unhonest intentions preparing her for a

short lived relationship or a possible heartbreak. Specifically, Laertes goes on to warn Ophelia

that a possible heartbreak awaits her stating “Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, The

perfume and suppliance of a minute, No more.” (1.3. 6-11). Evidently, Laertes dismisses

Ophelia’s romantic expression for Hamlet as he understands that the relationship would never

last. Laertes expresses his opinion by using phrases such as “not permanent” and “not lasting”,

advising Ophelia to move on without Hamlet, as their relationship would only last for “ a
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minute, No more”. Though Laertes intentions were to protect Ophelia due to his position as her

older brother; however, the decision wasn’t up to Laertes to deny Ophelia this exploration of

new love. Laertes felt the need to protect Ophelia from harm, though it is evident that he

ultimately loves and cares for her, as he often calls her “my dear sister” and felt the need to

apprise Ophelia of Hamlet’s short attention span for her. According to Laertes, the significance

of Hamlet's short attention span for Ophelia is seen to be destructive as Ophelia is seen as “A

violet in the youth of primy nature” and Hamlet’s reputation of “not lasting”and “a minute, No

more”. Often, the word overprotective is generated from its connotative meaning of being too

worried about an individual's safety, so that you eventually prevent them from being

independent. However, in fact, the denotative meaning for overprotective stands for one that

protects to an unhealthy extent. In contrast, Laertes actions is portrayed as a demonstration of

overprotective behavior incited by love, in an attempt to conceal Ophelia’s youth and innocence

as he associates her with positive phrases such as “A violet in the youth” and “nature”Not to

exclude, Laertes also expresses his emotions and motives through the desire of revenge. In

which, the denotative meaning for revenge can be defined as the desire for vengeance or

retribution motivated by revenge, while its connotative meaning stating a punishment or

inflicting an injury in return. Significantly, Laertes' character exhibits the difficulty in decision

making for impulsive individuals using the act of revenge. Though Hamlet had been instructed

to seek his fathers revenge, by the ghost who claimed to be his fathers spirit by stating “I am thy

fathers spirit”(1.5.14) and intstructing him to “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder”

(1.5.31) However, it is still considered to be impulsive for Laertes to seek the action of revenge

on his fathers killer after simply being told by a ghost to do so. As a result, Laertes is impulsive

to commit to the ghost's instructions to “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” after
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being provided with no evidence to support the ghosts claims. No to to exclude, Laertes

expresses his desire for revenge when contemplating whether or not it would be in his best

interest to seek the revenge of his father Polonius, by conquering his murder. For instance,

Laertes contemplates his fathers revenge and considers it as something that will be done by

stating “ Let come what comes, only I’ll be revenged Most thoroughly for my father”

(4.5.53-53). Undoubtedly, Laertes dreads the possibility of disappointing his family, therefore,

he resumes in planning his vengeance. For example, Laertes expresses to the King stating,

That drop of blood that’s calm proclaims me

bastard,

Cries “ cuckold” to my father, brands the harlot.

Even here between the chaste unsmirchèd brow.

Of my true mother. (4.5. 130-134)

Granted, Laertes desires to ensure and maintain honor and respect within his family, he feels

that in order to achieve such a goal he must first murder his father’s killer by stating “ cuckold”

to my father, brands the harlot.” implying that his fathers family name has been damaged.

However, not only does Laertes wish to protect the image of his family name, but to also

maintain the reputation and empire that his family may have acquired through the structure of

his father. However, after the death of his father, it is up to Laeretes to ensure that his family

reputation remains respected in the public eye. Therefore, Laertes expresses his emotions and

feeling of being overwhelmed through relying on his pride and honor by stating “brands the

harlot” as a reference to his reputation and empire. In addition, pride can be primarily defined as

a feeling of satisfaction derived from one's achievements and honor originating as a level of

respect and esteem. As a result, Laertes refers to his pride by avenging his father Polonius'
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death. Furthermore, Laertes also demonstrates the emotion of love and anger, while reflecting

on the services at Ophelia's funeral to the priest. In detail, Laertes intensely declared

Lay her I’ th’ earth, And from her fair and unpolluted flesh.

May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,

A minist’ring angel shall my sister be

When thou liest howling.

(5.1. 248-252)

By all means, Laertes communicates his rage and anger to the priest, due to the fact that he

refused to provide Ophelia's funeral with the complete official Christain burial. Apparently, the

priest denies Laertes Ophelia's Christian burial, due to the cause of her death and implies that he

has done all that he possibly could to fix the situation and suggests being thankful for the

services that they did receive. Explicitly, through the way Laertes reacts and handles his anger

towards the situation it is surmised that ultimately, Laertes truly adored his younger sister and

believes she deserves a proper Christain burial. Specifically, Laertes mentions his deep

desperation for the proper burial when stated “ A minist’ring angel shall my sister be” (5.1.

248-252). Certainly, Laertes expectations for Ophelia's ceremony were set at high standards,

disclosing the character's value and love to Ophelia and her Chritian burial. Its significance

relates to Laertes' love for his sister Ophelia, by valuing the ceremony of her final departure and

how she may be sent off to rest. In fact, Larestes shows aggression towards the priest as the

ceremony fails to reach his satisfaction when questioning “ Must there no more be done?”

(5.1.243) . Overall, Laertes anger towards Ophelia's funeral not meeting his satisfaction

demonstrates his love for his sister due to him urging the priest to provide his newly found dead

sister, the very best memorial. Certainly, on various occasions the play brings the character
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Laertes to a state of great bravery by demonstrating how the character may commit to his family

values by ensuring the success of his sister, Ophelia's christian funeral ceremony, revenging his

fathers death, and maintaining his family name. Ultimately, the play presumes Laertes as a

character who commits to impulsive decision making, however endures emotions that display

overprotective behavior, revenge, honor, love, and anger. Ultimately, Laertes prioritizes his

impulses which contain inflicting revenge on his father's killer Hamlet, his overprotective

behavior and love for his sister Ophelia, and the pride and honor remaining for his family. In

theory, Laertes values the principles of family as he goes through great lengths to ensure his

own family's safety. Committing to attentive gestures such as organizing Ophelia's funeral and

reserving the pride in his family’s name as he fights to avenge his fathers death. As a result,

when Larests is an individual who fights for what he believes in, however is also a compulsive

individual who may act without thought

Furthermore , within the play, Hamlet also illustrates the various types of deaths

established in society. Explicilty, within the play, the types of deaths concerning suicidal,

homicidal, and natural deaths are often used as an example to narrate the deceptions of what

death means to an individual, how it is brought upon in a situation, and what it can ultimately

lead to. Despite the word death’s notorious interpretation, the name is also addressed and

influenced by its connotative meaning, expressing the emotion of sadness and grief. For

example, when surrounded by death, it is most important to embrace the stages of sadness and

grief as it is customarily what helps prepare an individual for going through the healing process.

For instance, characters such as Hamlet and Laertes may be able to benefit from the grieving

process as they have both experienced a recent death. Not to exclude, characters Laertes and

Hamlet may also benefit from practicing a grieving process as they both are unable to manage
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their emotions and actions after this event. Ultimately, its significance refers to its original

definition, followed by its official denotative definition stating that death is to be the irreversible

cessation of all vital functions especially indicated by permanent stoppage of the heart,

respiration, and brain activity. Which in all, strikes the moment to an end of a life. Moreover, in

within Act Three of the play also introduces the deception of suicidal death when Claudius and

Polonius are found hiding with the intentions to eavesdrop on Hamlet. Though the denotation of

suicidal death can be identified as the act of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally.

In the moment, Hamlet is found expressing his troubles in a state of shock and grief as he has

only recently been made aware that his father has been murdered by his unlce. Thus, Hamlet

completes his famous monolog presenting the contemplation of a suicidal death stating:

To be or not to be-that is the question:

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And, by opposing, end them, To die, to sleep-

No more-and by a sleep to say we end

The heartache and the thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to, ‘tis consummation

Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep-

To sleep, perchance to dream, ay there’s the rub,

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause.(3.1.65-75)

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As a result, the illustration of suicide is demonstrated through Hamlet’s uncertainty

when questioning whether or not suicide is in his best interest. In like manner, Hamlet

perceives the pathway of suicide to be a permanent escape plan, in which he wishes to

escape from his hardships by stating “tis nobler in the mind to suffer”. Evidently in the

eyes of Hamlet, the character simply wishes to be freed from suffrage and pain as he

uses phrases like “No more-” and “To die, to sleep” implying suicidal contemplation .

Therefore annunciating what death ultimately means to an individual as to be an easy

way out or an escape route. Though committing such an act would indefinitely inflict an

equal level of harm. In other words, the act of suicide was commonly thought to lead to

an eternity of hell and suffering, as it was viewed as a sin in the eyes of God. Simply, by

inflicting a permanent end does not imply that one has been freed, but instead has been

failed, as they themselves have given up. Therefore, Hamlet quickly freed himself from

continuing his monolog, by understanding that suicidal death is no escape route but a

permanant end. In theory, Hamlet attempts to escape his madness controlled by the loss

of his father and his mother's betrayal. Despite the core of Hamlet’s hardship spiraling

from the profane betrothal of his mother and uncle and his fathers murder. He values his

duty to his country and to seek revenge on his father’s murder more as he often commits

to ensuring his reputation through the commitment of his family. Although Hamlet

experiences some hard times, he understands that death is not an alternate option for

himself. In fact, Hamlet’s interpretation to self saving himself is that if he had followed

through with committing suicide, he would have been unable to fulfill his personal duty

to his father. Therefore, as we know, Hamlet chooses to live due to his urge to seek

revenge on Claudius being stronger than his urge to escape his own personal hell. Not to
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exclude, the deception of homicidal death is also introduced when Hamlet is found

expressing his shame for desiring revenge so eagerly; In comparison to the soldiers who

show no more than pure loyalty and honor. Specifically, the differentiation between

where Hamlet's loyalty stands and his soldiers is revealed as Hamlet goes on to state:

How stand I, then,

That have a father killed, a mother stained,

Excitements of my reason and my blood,

And let all sleep, while to my shame I see

The imminent death of twenty thousand men

That for a fantasy and trick of fame

Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot

Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause,

Which is not tomb enough and continent To hide the slain?

O, from this time forth

My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!(4.4.55-56)

In this situation, homicidal death is emphasized through a senseless war. Nevertheless,

as the basis of most wars usually involve an immense quantity of deaths, which in some

cases can be equivalent to a homicide. Therefore, the denotative definition for homicidal

death is commonly known as multiple murders or any killing of a human being by

another individual. In this case, Hamlet refers to how countless soldiers are constantly

marching off into the night to join a war in which he believes is all in vain. However,

through the perspective of the soldiers they believe they are supporting a cause.

Specifically, Hamlet scrutinizes the fact that while such events carry on, such as the
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senseless war, his father being dead by murder and his mother having married his uncle.

Hamlet feels that he has simply been sitting by, allowing for such events to take place,

with little to no interference. As a result, Hamlet feels shameful and realizes that there

could have possibly been more that he could have done to prevent his fathers deaths and

his mothers remarriage. Hence, through the many deaths of the soldiers who deemed to

be unnecessary, allows an opportunity for Hamlet to truly realize that similarly, he feels

that his fathers murder too may be all in vain. As for attitudes, the soldiers who are

fighting the senseless war, understand and accept the dangers, even the potential

possibility of losing their lives. They still accept. Hamlet refers to the soldiers' loyalty

and commitment stating

While to my shame I see

The imminent death of twenty thousand men

That for a fantasy and trick of fame

Go to their graves like beds” (4.4.55-56).

In light of Hamlet, he mocks the many deaths that the war has led to, claiming it to be

pointless as he speaks in disbelief. At the same time, this gesture distinguishes the

different character traits, principles, and values held between Hamlet and the soldiers,

ultimately revealing character philosophy. This is because the soldiers value protecting

and committing their lives and duty to their country and people while on the other hand,

individuals like Hamlet prefer to value self gain more. In the eyes of a soldier, one

should be selfless and death shouldn’t be feared. In fact, the soldiers support the idea

that some things are worth fighting and dying for, and if one isn’t willing to die for

what's important than what's the point at all. Dying for their country and for a cause that
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they believe in, is not all in vain the way that Hamlet believes it to be. The soldiers

represent the power of loyalty, as people who are willing to stand by a code and are

willing to fight and protect that code as they hold it to a higher standard; since they view

the war as something that is bigger than themselves. As for Hamlet, he often engages his

focuses on matters that are in close proximity, or directed to himself like his mothers

remarriage. In short, the play Hamlet, incorporates the many types of deaths following

suicidal, homicidal, and natural deaths within its characters. Implying its overall purpose

to utilize these events as examples to narrate the deceptions of what death means to an

individual as far as its values, how it can be brought upon in a situation, how it can be

dealt with, and what it can ultimately lead to.

Moreover, the play Hamlet also produces various demonstrations of how betrayal

is established and provides multiple examples of what kind of effects it may bring. The

perception of betrayal falls upon an individual betraying their country, a group, or a

person, which is there by treachery. Subsequently, Hamlet incorporates betrayal as one

of the main plots in the play and illustrates these acts through various incidents between

characters. Thereby, in the play, betrayal is acted upon in multiple ways by many

characters including: Hamlet's dear mother, Gertrude, Hamlet's closest pair of friends

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and his uncle, who is presented as King Claudius. To

start off, in the beginning of the play, the first act of betrayal starts off with Hamlet's

closest friends Guildenstern and Rosencrantz. With background, Guildenstern and

Rosencrantz are sent off by the King and Queen on a mission to spy on Hamlet to

acquire answers to what has been consistently troubling Prince Hamlet. As the two men

are off, they approach Hamlet and encounter a conversation saying: “Anything but to th’
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purpose. You were sent for, and there is a kind of confession in your looks which your

modesties have not craft enough to color. I know the good king and queen have sent for

You” (2.2.300-304). Thereby, the play perceives the spying of Hamlet's closest friends

Guildenstern and Rosencrantz as an act of betrayal as they secretly go behind Hamlet's

back to pry on his personal troubles. Consequently, Hamlet acknowledges Rosencrantz

and guildenstern as untrustworthy or treacherous friends who are more than willing to

jeopardize the strength of their relationship for their own benefit and profits with King

Claudius. As Hamlet confirms their presence and intentions by claiming: “I know the

good king and queen have sent for You” (2.2.300-304). Though Hamlet understood that

their actions were brought upon by the king when they were asked if they had come on

their free will and presented a guilty look. Thereby, this scene exemplifies a typical

betrayal, this is since Hamlet identified the two men as his dearest childhood friends.

Therefore, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz comprehensively display that often, most acts

of betrayal come from your closest and securest of friends. As a result, its impact

significantly implies that a lesson can be learnt from trusting individuals too openly and

suggests practicing character observing. On the other hand, Guildenstern and

Rosencrantz act of betrayal can also imply that one may not know an individual as well

as they had originally thought to believe. Furthermore, the next betrayal in Hamlet is

given by Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude. With context, Hamlet's father had recently passed,

which required the marriage between Gertrude and Claudius. Therefore, Gertrude

attempts to speak with Hamlet in the room to discuss these matters, as they are alone in

the room Hamlet pronounces “Let me be cruel, not unnatural: I will speak daggers to

her, but use none; My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites; How in my words soever
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she be shent, To give them seals never, my soul, consent!”( 3.2.428-432). Hence, Hamlet

engages with his emotions, expressing to his mother how he feels about her recent

marriage. Certainly, by the word choice reciting “Let me be cruel… I will speak daggers

to her, but use none… How in my words soever she be shent…” (3.2.428-432). Hamlet

is expressing the feeling of hurt and pain, caused only by the betrayal of someone

important. Hamlet communicates to his mother that he feels betrayed and wishes to say

unspeakable things to her, with intentions to cause her pain. Noticeably, as Hamlet

frequently shows signs of an active deppression due to the recent murder of his father, he

is further placed in distress and is unable to heal when betrayed by his mother, quickly

setting marriage to her former husbands brother, Claudius. As a result, Hamlet feels that

under these circumstances, a remarriage in such a short time would be intolerable and

unorthodox. In addition, Hamlet's newfound aggression towards his mothers latest

relationship with Claudius, further motivates Hamlet's intentions to pursue revenge

against the King. Not only does Hamlet's aggression for King Claudius spiral from his

marriage with Gertrude but also for the murder of King Hamlet. In particular, Hamlet

constructs a play in which the performers reenact the theoretical way Clauidus had killed

his father. As the play begins Hamlet states,

Why, let the strucken deer go weep,

The hart ungallèd play.

For some must watch, while some must sleep:

Thus runs the world away.(3.2.297-300)

Undoubtedly, Hamlet uses this method of constructing a play within a play

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ultimately so that he would be able to observe King Claudius' reactions as the play

continues. In doing so, Hamlet intends to capture a reaction of guilt that would confirm

the betrayal of Claudius to King Hamlet’s wife, fortunes, and place as king. Overall,

Hamlet utilizes the play to provide insight on how Clauidus killed King Hamlet and how

Hamlet should seek revenge on Claudius in return. In brief, Claudius commits betrayal

against Prince Hamlet by killing his father, King Hamlet, taking all his fortunes, and

marrying his mother, Gertrude. In summary Hamlet illustrates treachery through the

actions of the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Gertrude, and Claudius

betraying their loyalty to their country, family, friends, and peers. Provided that Hamlet

concludes that betrayal is natural and a part of human nature, as it is inevitable for

humans to avoid mistakes. However, betrayal can often be justified by taking

accountability and responsibility.

In conclusion, within the play Hamlet breaks down and assimilates several different

series of events the majority of individuals in society may be able to relate to or have

experienced in life. In short, the play touches base and elaborates on difficult human

experiences such as going through a betrayal, a loss, experiencing death, love, and revenge.

Specifically, within the play are numerous imitations of lifelike events that successfully support

and display the harsh realities of enduring an intimidating and overwhelming affair. Therefore

the play utilizes these events in order to supply a source of counseling and guidance to those

who may be in need, lack understanding, or simply encounter similar conditions. As a result, the

play suggests multiple ways that individuals can benefit from these challenging circumstances

to handle them in ease. In depth the play maintains its ability to analyze these experiences

through the events of battling characters' unstable emotions, Laertes attempts to avenge and
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protect his pride and family name, after the death of his father Polonius. Hamlet contemplating

to commit suicide after failing to deal with the loss of his father and the arranged marriage of

his mother and uncle. The disloyalty exerted from his best friends Rosencrantz and

Guildenstern, Hamlet’s mother Gertrude, and Claudius. Followed by the various types deaths,

examining suicidal, homicidal, and natural deaths. The play successfully examines a deeper

meaning to experiencing death. For instance, the play questions the deceptions of what death

means to an individual, how it is brought upon in a situation, and what it can ultimately lead to

during the scene of Hamlets suicidal thoughts. Ultimately concluding that death isn't equivalent

to being freed from all suffrage. But instead, submitting to a loss. That by submitting to death

means to fail oneself and admit to a loss of life and opportunities.Therefore, its relevance retains

in the ultimate message that death is no reward, but a failure and punishment. Nevertheless, the

acts of treachery and betrayal between each character justifies the unstated conclusion that

betrayal is within mankind's human nature, whether intentional or not, it is inevitable for one to

feel betrayed occasionally throughout one's life. Suggesting that in human nature it is inevitable

for humans to avoid mistakes. Yet, one's betrayal can be redeemed by taking accountability and

responsibility. Therefore, the entirety of Hamlet provides guidance indicating that death, loss,

and treachery can influence erratic emotions and mental health complications which require

treatment and maintenance.

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Social Issues on Mental Health In Modern Day and Elizabethan Culture

As a community worldwide, the struggle of mental health has been an ongoing issue for

as long as time. Ultimately, the origin of mental health originates from post WWll when the

realization of mental hygiene was at stake. After the Civil War, the concerns about the

unsanitary conditions increased, causing the term mental health to be placed, due to it’s positive

promotion for the prevention and treatment of mental health. Therefore, the term mental health

can be defined as a person's condition with regards to their physiological and emotional

well-being. Often, mental health outbreaks come in many forms and can vary from the form of a

mood disorder, anxiety disorder, personality disorder, or even psychotic disorders. Not to

exclude, often these mental illnesses can take a toll on an individual's actions, affecting the way

one may think, feel, or act. It can also help determine how an individual will handle stress,

decision making, and even how they may interact and relate to others. Ultimately, mental health

and its various effects on people has been a major social issue to the human race for as long as

the Renaissance and Elizabethan Culture time period. But within such an undeveloped time

period, how were such complicated issues perceived as and most importantly, how were they

resolved? Not only is the question daringly questionable, but also has it been astonishingly

answered, and revealed by the renowned English Poet, playwright, and actor William

Shakespeare. In particular, within the play Hamlet by Shakespeare, introduces and illustrates the

difficulties and perspectives of mental health within the Renaissance time period and the many

forms it takes. Specifically, within the play, produced in 1609 Shakespeare demonstrates this

social issue through the actions and emotions of the plays main character Hamlet.

In particular, within the Renaissance and Elizabethan Culture time period, the matters of

mental health had been acknowledged as both a natural and unnatural occurrence. Specifically,
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Shakespeare incorporates mental illness symptoms into the character Hamlet, revealing to

spectators how an individual who's struggling with mental complications would handle several

disorderly scenarios. Not only does Shakespeare provide insight on what a mentally struggling

individual goes through, but also how to handle an individual in these circumstances.

Ultimately, Shakespear designs the play to overall be about Hamlet who is one night approached

by the ghost of his father, who has been recently killed, persuades him to seek revenge on a

man, despite having little to no evidence. Shakespear uses this storyline to project how mentally

unstable individuals are incapable or find difficulty in the task of critical decision making or

critical thinking skills. Shakespeare implies that individuals in these matters can easily spiral

and may require additional support. Often, people believed individuals who obtained mental

illnesses were involved in devilish engagements and even feared them or simply suffered from a

severe sickness. Though, with the lack of prominent guidance, in the early ages of the

Renaissance; Medical Practitioners believed in unusual methods of treatments that were often

abusive and would range from religious, psychological, incarceration and isolation therapy.

Eventually, as time moved on, the demand for mental illness treatments increased more and

more as individuals experienced more difficult times. Therefore, asylums were created as a

place of refuge for ill patients to be treated safely and protected. As a result, monasteries and

hospitals were transformed into asylums being able to provide housing and new forms of

treatment. On the other hand, regarding Shakespeare's art, the play of Hamlet impressionaly

reinforces the perspective of mental health within Elizabethan Culture. In particular,

Shakespeare’s exertion of art not only implies that madness spirals from a doomed romance but

also leaves the impact that mental illness can be fabricated through trauma, shock, loss, and

stress. Not to exclude, Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, creates the impressionable impact on mental
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health, clarifying the true state and effects of “madness”. Ultimately, Shakespeare’s work has

impacted madness, influencing others to truly accept mental illnesses, while encouraging others

to understand that often true madness can be a wide range of events created by a source of

trauma. For instance, Shakespeare has influenced the understanding of madness “ For, to define

true madness, What is it but to be nothing else but mad? (2.292-94). Whether Robert Devereux ,

second earl of Essex, was actually mad in any clinical sense of the word is not an issue of

historicism. But that his “madness” was poor Roberts - and ultimately , the Tudor states -

enemy may be as illuminating for discussion of madness in Shakspearian tragedy as humoral

psychology and vogue of melancholy.” (Suche Strange Desygns: Madness, Subjectively, and

Treason in Hamlet and Elizabethan Culture, K.S. Coddon). In particular, accepting mental

health complications, activates the process moving forward. Allowing an individual to resolve

how they prefer to maintain their stability and proceed with resolving the issue.

Moving forwards, within modern day, mental health has grown and become acceptable

to society in many ways. Specifically, mental health has improved within the public's

perspective, treatment methods, facilities, and its overall support system. In fact, in modern day,

concerning mental illness, statistics claim that nearly 90% of U.S. Americans acknowledge and

support the needs of mental health disorders. ( Bethune. “American Psychological Association”.

Survey: Americans becoming more open about mental health. March 10, 2022.). Therefore, as

of the 21st century, mental health difficulties and concerns have become more accepted in

today's society compared to the Renaissance Elizabethan culture time period. Specifically, the

treatment of therapy and medication uses have improved and grown for the various types of

illnesses. In fact, therapy has expanded its treatments into many forms including: supportive

therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy and has
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been found successful at improving emotional and behavioral modifications in the body.

Ultimately, this resulted in the expansion of mental health facilities, providing patients the new

opportunity to receive private care in hospitals and psychiatric institutions. Undoubtedly, the

support and acceptance for mental health obtained in the 21st century, has allowed for a change

in the way society treats mental health compared to the Renaissance Elizabethan culture time

period. For instance, the treatment for mental health patients used in the 21st century compared

to the Renaissance Elizabethan culture time period challenge the accurate method of treatment

For instance, the treatment of Psychotherapy that was used to treat mental patients between the

Renaissance Elizabethan culture and modern day has evolved in many ways: “Psychotherapy by

its designation is emotional assistance to a person who is suffering, so its main epistemological

interest is to comprehend the mystery of how a human being overcomes suffering. This is

precisely the point where psychotherapy and religion, and prayer converge. The question of the

relation to suffering is the core question of the philosophy of psychotherapy” (JOURNAL OF

RUSSIAN & EAST EUROPEAN PSYCHOLOGY, 61-62). As a result, Shakespeare's work

from the play Hamlet has influenced the way individuals who obtain mental health

complications should be further treated.

Therefore, as a result, Hamlet produced by Shakspear demonstrates the many social

issues of mental health through various actions and emotions of the plays main character

Hamlet and has overall influenced the perspective of how society should treat, provide, and

grow resources for individuals who struggle with these circumstances.

 Oliver 20

Works Cited

Bethune, Sophie. “Survey: Americans Becoming More Open about Mental Health.” American

Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 1 May 2019,

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/05/mental-health-survey. “Accessed

March 10, 2022” (Website)

CODDON, KARIN S. “Suche Strange Desygns: Madness - JSTOR.” JSTOR, The University of

Chicago Press, https://www.jstor.org/stable/41917248. “Accessed March 10,

2022”(Academic Journal)

Shakespeare, William. “Hamlet.” The Folger SHAKESPEARE, 9 July 2021,

https://shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/hamlet/. “Accessed Jan 10, 2022”

(Website)

Vasilyuk, F.e. “Prayer, Silence, and Psychotherapy.” Journal of Russian & East European

Psychology, Jan. 2015,

https://web.s.ebscohost.com/src_ic/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=4fc174fe-8f88-494

f-8b8b-fe3b9626f133%40redis. “Accessed March 10, 2022” (Academic Journal)

 Oliver 21

Annotated Bibliography

Bethune, Sophie. “Survey: Americans Becoming More Open about Mental Health.” American

Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 1 May 2019,

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/05/mental-health-survey. “Accessed

March 10, 2022” (Website)

The citation listed above is from an American survey that statistically discusses and calculates

the societal percentage of Americans who openly support and acknowledge mental health needs.

The author of the source is Sophie Bethune, who is actively involved in The American

Psychological Association, located in Washington, D.C. Bethune’s American Psychological

organization ranks as the United States largest scientific professional psychology organization,

staffing nearly 120,000 academic researchers. The statistical survey was created to capture a

wide range of perspectives towards mental health disorders and treatments. As a result, to

accurately represent the United States population, the percentages were calculated and divided

separately by categories such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, geography, and

household income and size. Statistically, the survey concluded that nearly 90% of U.S.

Americans admit to supporting the needs of mental health disorders. More in depth, 87% of

American adults had agreed that obtaining a mental health disorder isn;t anything to be ashamed

of. While, positively, 86% of American adults stated that they believe individuals with mental

health disorders can improve their illnesses and get better. Overall, this survey has been

beneficial to the quality of the essay as it accurately confirms the statistical rate in which people

in society support and promote the needs of individuals who struggle with mental disorders has

immensely increased over time as these percentages havn’t been seen higher.
 Oliver 22

CODDON, KARIN S. “Suche Strange Desygns: Madness - JSTOR.” JSTOR, The University of

Chicago Press, https://www.jstor.org/stable/41917248. “Accessed March 10,

2022”(Academic Journal)

This citation was found on an academic website referred to as JSTOR and is an Academic

Journal originating from the University of Chicago Press, discussing the topics of madness

within the Renaissance and Shakespearian world. The author of the scholarly journal belongs to

Karin S. Coddon, an honorable historian novelist with a Ph. D in english. The article elaborates

on madness within the Renaissance time period, declaring it as complex. Beneficially to the

essay, Coddon expresses a wide range of focus on the impact of Shakespeare’s work and how

his deception of “madness” has impacted societies viewpoints on mental health. Coddon

elaborates on matters such as what encourages mental illnesses, manic-like behavior, and mental

health on Shakespearean characters versus mental health in reality. Coddons Academic Journal

was also found supportive as it influences others to actually accept mental disorders, and

encourages individuals to become more understanding of the different types of disorders like

trauma affiliation.

Shakespeare, William. “Hamlet.” The Folger SHAKESPEARE, 9 July 2021,

https://shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/hamlet/. “Accessed Jan 10, 2022”

(Website)

This citation is from The Folger Shakespeare Library, which is an online independent research

Library that obtains the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's most impressionable plays,

sonnets, poems, and English literature within full PDFs. The author remains of William

Shakspeare and its essence has been immensely serviceable while referring to specific acts,

scenes, and quotes in the play.

 Oliver 23

Vasilyuk, F.e. “Prayer, Silence, and Psychotherapy.” Journal of Russian & East European

Psychology, Jan. 2015,

https://web.s.ebscohost.com/src_ic/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=4fc174fe-8f88-494

f-8b8b-fe3b9626f133%40redis. “Accessed March 10, 2022” (Academic Journal)

This citation was found on the Tolleson Academic website EBSCO and is originally from the

Journal of Russian & East European Psychology. The author of the Academic Journal is F.e

Vasilyuk, but does not list any background records. However, still beneficially to the essay,

Vasilyuk mainly focuses on the evolution of mental health treatments such as the use of religion

and the philosophy of psychotherapy. Uniquely, Vasilyuk engages with religious medical

treatments, questions psychotherapy and other mental health treatments efficiency, record, and

overall growth, which adds a significant impact to areas in the essay analyzing treatments.