George Santayana argues that Hamlet acts without reflection and reflects without acting, and is therefore mad. Hamlet is, indeed, contemplative and often decides on a plan of action but never follows through, but these attributes are not clear indicators of insanity. Hamlet is a thinking character, not a man of action, but this does not mean he is insane. In fact, his reason shows that he is not insane. His logical thought pattern proves his sanity through his ability to reason.

Hamlet's first encounter with the ghost of his father prompts him to think about what revenge would entail - killing his very own uncle, the man who married his mother. Hamlet thinks about it and decides that avenging his father's murder is a valid reason to kill King Claudius: "So, uncle, there you are. Now to my word; / it is, "Adieu, adieu! Remember me." / I have sworn't...