From what type of madness does the Professor suffer in the story, Lemon Pie?

In Lemon Pie, the Professor exhibits clear signs of madness, for he gives lectures on Hamlet to the plants surrounding the hostage camp. The Professor himself acknowledges that this seems insane, thinking, “a person might think that there was something wrong… a person might even be worried” (38). However, despite the obvious madness of the Professor’s lectures, the Professor uses this limited form of madness in order to stave off greater madness. While at the camp, he preoccupies himself by trying to remember direct quotes from Hamlet, thus engaging his mind and remaining sane. Moreover, the Professor uses themes from Hamlet in order to cope with his own situation. He lectures on the theme of “appearances versus reality” in Hamlet, recalling how his own actions appear mad, but in reality, are the only way he stays sane. In this way, like Stephanie’s reading, the Professor’s use of literature both enables and staves off his madness.