In the plays Equus by Peter Shaffer and Hamlet by the late William Shakespeare, insanity and its effects is explored in portraying two different representations of madness. Hamlet, placed collectively with Alan, effectively raises an understanding into both of their dilemmas, projecting two accounts in which to compare and contrast one with the other. The issue of mental illness is successfully highlighted in this paired text study, with the individual types of madness being made more visible and in addition making it easier to distinguish why they went mad. The individual incentives in regards to their insanity is also brought to the fore and the consequences are effectively displayed. The two texts ultimately depict the difficulties that are linked in the treatment of insanity, presenting sobering measures in which to cure the mind of madness.

In the plays Equus and Hamlet two of the main characters portrayed (Alan...