1. The Depression/Melancholy in
Hamlet
Kane Hason-Traynor

2. Depression/ Melancholy Definition
Severe, typically prolonged, feelings of despondency and dejection
Feeling of extreme sadness
Affects about 8% people in their lifetime
2x more common in women then men
Most common in middle aged adults
Onset in teens

3. Depression Symptoms Feeling down
Exaggerate minor failings & ignore positive events
See themselves as worthless & unlovable
Show a lack of interest in hobbies
May consider death or suicide
Change in eating patterns: overeat or eat little
Feel inexplicable pains

4. Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Periodic struggles with symptoms; usually severe
Chronic Depression: less severe than MDD but symptoms last longer
Bipolar Disorder: a rollercoaster of emotions
2 sides depression and mania
Little need for sleep in mania, extreme risk taking.

5. Depression in early 1600’s A large amount of people became depressed
Many poor people were unable to access land
Many people died from illnesses
Much of depression comes from loss of a loved one

6. Depression In Hamlet Hamlet is most depressed
Depressed about his fathers death
Claudius says to him "How is it that the clouds still hang on you?“ (Act 1 Scene 2)
Depressed about mother marrying uncle
Most soliloquies about his depression
His depression makes him seem insanse

7. Depression in Hamlet Ophelia’s depression
Family tells her she's not good enough for hamlet
Must watch Hamlet brake down from his depression
Loves Hamlet but can never be together