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Psychoanalysis of Characters in Hamlet
389
Gertrude
Claudius
Hamlet
- Suffers from neurosis because she regrets her choice to marry Claudius but does nothing about it other than feel guilty.
- Neurosis results from unresolved guilt and the inability to reconcile one's thoughts with one's actions.
- "Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark..." (I.II.68-70)
- Gertrude can attend therapy to help her talk through her thoughts and learn to express them to others.
- Hamlet is depressed, but he does not meet the criteria to qualify for Major Depressive Disorder in the DSM 5.
1."But I have within which passeth show, These but the trappings and suits of woe" (I.II.85-86)
2."Or that the Everlasting had not fixed His canon 'gainst self slaughter!" (I.II.131-132)
- Hamlet does meet the criteria for Bipolar I Disorder: irritable and elevated mood, unusual talkativeness, flight of ideas, and excessive involvement in activities that are likely to have undesirable consequences.
To support our claim we will quote the patient; on 26 July, 1602 Claudius stated "For what we know must be and is as common as any the most vulgar thing to sense, why should we in our peevish opposition take it to heart?"
Our treatment plan is to appoint him a therapist who he must see two times a week
Hamlet
- Hamlet's formal diagnosis is Bipolar I Disorder with symptoms of depression.
- There is no cure for Bipolar disorder but symptoms can be managed with medication.
- A mood stabilizing medication such as Lithium is recommended for Hamlet.
- Lithium will control Hamlet's moods and prevent the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes.
Claudius
Claudius suffers from a severe case of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Symptoms of this disorder include:
- Wanting to be recognized as superior and special, without superior accomplishments
- Expects constant attention, admiration and positive reinforcement from others
- Envies others and believes others envy him
- Preoccupied with thoughts and fantasies of great success, enormous attractiveness, power, intelligence
- Lacks ability to empathize with the feelings or desires of others
- Arrogant in attitudes and behavior
- Expectations of special treatment that are unrealistic