1. Hamlet Madness Presentation
Alex Zeldin
Matthew Cyrus
Chris Rogakos
John Ryan
Vlad Falb
Benny Rodriguez

2. The Group’s Theory
In the group’s first presentation, our theory was that Hamlet began his antic disposition in full control. However, added pressure, confusion, and indecision began to tear at Hamlet’s mind, bringing him closer and closer to the brink. The scene where he killed Polonius is where he finally snapped. However, after finishing the play, the group feels that Hamlet quickly regained his sanity and judgment. Essentially, Hamlet was in full control throughout the duration of the play, having a brief showing of madness in his mother’s closet, but was quick to regain his sanity.

3. The Final Events

4. Adding The Madness Theory to the Final Events
Hamlet’s Treatment of Polonius’ Corpse: Already at this point, clarity is already reentering Hamlet’s mind. Hamlet’s murder of Polonius was only a scene previously, but Hamlet was thinking in a rational manner during this event. Hamlet knew hiding the body of Polonius would toy with Claudius’ mind by causing unrest. Furthermore, when interrogated on the subject, Hamlet gave immature and comical responses, as if he had Claudius right where he wanted him.
Behavior to the King when he was sent to England: This continues the previous point. When Hamlet finally enters after the hiding of Polonius’ body, he engages in a back-and-forth with Claudius in which Claudius demands that Hamlet be sent to England. Hamlet was toying with Claudius here with sarcastic and playful comments, establishing full control over him.

5. Continued…
Hamlet’s handling of Rosencratz and Guildenstern: Hamlet showed apparent genius and logic here. After seeing his own death sentence, he knew either he or them were going to die… might as well be the traitors…
Hamlet’s behavior at Ophelia’s grave: Hamlet showed real sorrow and even anger, but certainly not madness. In his banter with Laertes, he not only established a good point, but proved his very real love and sorrow.
Hamlets choice to accept a fencing match with Laertes: Hamlet’s decision (although it proved fatal), was not brought about by madness, but by respect for Laertes. Also, if the ends justify the means, the fencing match resulted in the death of Claudius, finally concluding Hamlet’s quest for vengeance.

6. Film Comparison

7. The Two Hamlets Hamlet: Mel Gibson Claudius: Alan Bates
Gertrude: Glenn Close
Polonius: Ian Holm
Ophelia: Helena Bonham Carter
Ghost: Paul Scoffield
Hamlet: Kenneth Branagh
Claudius: Derek Jacobi
Gertrude: Julie Christie
Polonius: Richard Brier
Ophelia: Kate Winslet
Ghost: Brian Blessed

8. Which Hamlet Supports our Theory?

9. Congradulations Mel Gibson
In Branagh’s “outstanding” adaptation of Hamlet, Hamlet seemed to be portrayed as a man who was mad from the getgo, as seen by his banter with Ophelia or by his manner in the “To be, or not to be” soliloquy. However, in Mel Gibson’s version Hamlet, he seemed to be controlled throughout the duration of the film (as seen in the loose, sarcastic, and childish way he interacted with most of the supporting cast), with exception to the scene in Gertrude’s closet, where he attacks her and murders Polonius. In accordance with our group’s theory, it is apparent that the Mel Gibson version of the play is more supportive.
Congradulations Mel Gibson
You are our Hamlet