Nabeel Syed

Mrs. Bradley

AP English Literature

Hamlet Stress Test

In both of my tests that I took according to by best understanding of Hamlet and his

current mental state at out point in the story, the results showed that he has severe stress and

anxiety. Although these results lean towards the conclusion that he is actually crazy because of

all the stress that he is under, I dont think that he cracked under the pressure. He seems to be

smarter than that and he shows it in the line where he says But break, my heart, for I must hold

my tongue.(64, I, ii). Here Hamlet is trying to hold off against showing his true intentions and

decides to put on a facade to make him seem innocent. After reading this I thought it was all an

act and he was completely stable especially because he was questioning everything and carefully

studying the details of what happen to put two and two together. When Horatio tells him about

the ghost Hamlet isnt startled and take a more methodical approach to the situation by deciding

what steps he will take next and what to ask the ghost.

When Hamlet meets with the ghost he says Whither wilt thou lead me? Speak. Ill go no

further. (103, I, v) This shows that he isnt flustered but rather calm as he takes a careful

approach while trying to extract as much information as he can. After being told about what the

ghost believes Claudius did Hamlet decides that he will try and find out the truth about what

really happened. He takes on his plans carefully and puts thought into his actions which shows

that he can handle the stress.