Was Prince Hamlet Wacko? In Shakespeare's "Hamlet", the main character offers a puzzling and ambiguous persona. Throughout the play, Hamlet often contradicts himself. He seems to balance the virtues of "playing a role", with being true to himself. Further proof of these conflicting personas are demonstrated by his actions and inactions. The ambiguity noted here, lies in two conflicting mannerisms displayed by the young Hamlet: One that is perfectly calm and rational; and another which …showed first 75 words of 2085 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2085 total…in her death. Claudius was unable to successfully conceal his guilt, thus Hamlet had the proof he needed to confront him. Yet, the irony of Shakespeare's tragedy lies within the main character. If Hamlet had acted as the ghost of his father had initially ordained, no one except Claudius would have perished. Therefore, Hamlet merely verged on the brink of madness--spurned by his quest for the truth, that lies within us all. Text: "Imaginary Worlds". 1998.