Hamlet and King Lear - Edgar and Lear :: comparison compare contrast essays

settlement and mogul Lear Madness- Ophelia in critical point and Edgar in King Lear In both small town and King Lear, Shakespeare incorporates a study of ferocity with two sections star truly mad, and one only acting mad to serve a motive. The madness of village is frequently disputed. This writing argues that the contrapuntal character in each chance, namely Ophelia in Hamlet and Edgar in King Lear, acts as a balancing argument to the some early(a) characters madness or sanity. King Lears more decisive distinction mingled with Lears frailty of mind and Edgars contrived madness works to better set apart the relationship between Ophelias breakdown and Hamlets north-north-west brand of insanity. Both plays offer a character on each side of sanity, but in Hamlet the distinction is non as turn over as it is in King Lear. Using the more explicit relationship in King Lear, one finds a better understanding of the relationship in Hamlet. While Shakespeare does not direc tly pit Ophelias insanity (or breakdown) against Hamlets madness, there is instead a clear definitiveness in Ophelias condition and a clear uncertainty in Hamlets madness. Obviously, Hamlets character offers more evidence, while Ophelias breakdown is quick, but more conclusive in its precision. Shakespeare offers clear evidence pointing to Hamlets sanity beginning with the first scene of the play. Hamlet begins with guards whose main importance in the play is to give credibility to the sense of touch. If Hamlet were to see his fathers ghost in private, the argument for his madness would greatly improve. Yet, not one, but three men together date the ghost beforehand even thinking to notify Hamlet. As Horatio says, being the only of the guards to play a significant role in the rest of the play, Before my God, I might not this believe / Without the sensible and true avouch / Of mine own eyes. (I.i.56-8) Horatio, who appears frequently throughout the play, acts as an unquestionably s ane alibi to Hamlet again when framing the King with his reaction to the play. That Hamlet speaks to the ghost alone detracts somewhat from its credibility, but all the men are witness to the ghost demanding they speak alone. Horatio offers an insightful warning What if it tempts you toward the flood, my lord, Or to the dreadful spinning top of the cliff That beetles oer his base into the sea, And there assume some other horrible form Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason, And draw you into madness?