Hamlet and Ophelia are linked by many common characteristics, not
the least of which is their madness. While Hamlet's madness seems to
be feigned, Ophelia is truly crazy. The odd thing about their
predicament is that they each drive each other more fully into the
depths of illness.
One of Hamlet's most famous lines is when he tells the Queen: "Seems,
madam? Nay, it is. I know not 'seems.'" Hamlet is saying that he does
not know what it is to pretend, he only knows what it is to be. This is the
main question surrounding Hamlet in the play, is he feigning his
madness, or is it real…
