Unveiling the Profound Understanding of Psychological Disorders in Shakespeare's Work
In Shakespeare's timeless literary masterpieces, we find an unparalleled exploration of the intricacies of human nature, including an astoundingly accurate portrayal of various mental disorders. His keen observation and vivid depiction of these conditions, at a time when understanding of mental health was limited, continue to captivate readers and impress clinicians and therapists to this day.
Mental Illness in Elizabethan England
To appreciate the depth of Shakespeare's insight, we must first delve into the context of mental health during the Elizabethan era. The 16th century in England was characterized by a bleak situation for the mentally ill. Those afflicted were often confined to insane asylums, with St. Mary of Bethlehem, famously known as Bedlam, serving as a notable example. Mental illnesses of the time were classified into several categories, including melancholia (depression), mania, delirium, amentia (loss of mental ability), and even epilepsy, which was considered a mental disorder.
The Source of Shakespeare's Medical Knowledge
One intriguing aspect of Shakespeare's work is the source of his medical information. While some attribute his profound understanding of physical and psychological ailments to his son-in-law, John Hall, a physician and herbalist, others believe that Shakespeare acquired his knowledge through observation of the prevalent diseases in London during his time. The unsanitary and overcrowded conditions in 16th century London, exacerbated by plagues, offered ample opportunities for a keen observer to study both physical and mental suffering.
Shakespeare's Depiction of Madness
Shakespeare's insights into mental disorders are most vividly evident in the following characters:
1. Lady Macbeth: A Portrait of Psychosis
Lady Macbeth's descent into madness is portrayed as a psychotic disorder marked by hallucinations, delusions, and Obsessive-Compulsive symptoms induced by extreme guilt. Her guilt, a significant trigger for various forms of psychosis, is prominently displayed, as she grapples with her involvement in King Duncan's murder. Lady Macbeth's premorbid personality exhibits delusions of grandeur and psychopathic traits.
"I have given suck, and know how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out." (Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 7)
2. Hamlet: The Complex Spectrum of Bipolar Disorder
Hamlet's character provides one of the most striking examples of Shakespeare's insight into mental illness. His disorder begins with symptoms of bereavement, transforming into a full-fledged bipolar disorder characterized by episodes of depression and mania. Driven to the brink of madness by the sudden death of his father and his mother's hasty remarriage, Hamlet exhibits signs of psychosis from the start, experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations. As his symptoms worsen, his depressive episode gives way to mania, resulting in outbursts of anger and violence, making him a danger to those around him.
"To be or not to be, that is the question." (Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)
3. Ophelia: The Tragic Consequence of Depression
Ophelia's character reflects a timid and suggestible young woman, emblematic of the typical young women of the Elizabethan era. Her depression is induced by her quiet submission to her father's verdict on Hamlet's character and her agreement to avoid him. This submissive nature eventually leads to her loss of judgment and decision-making power. Manipulated by both the king and her father, Ophelia's depression intensifies, culminating in her throwing herself off the castle wall.
Shakespeare's profound understanding of mental disorders extends to the behavioral patterns of individuals suffering from various conditions. Lady Macbeth's excessive handwashing, Hamlet's dangerous mania, and Ophelia's descent into depression align perfectly with the clinical definitions of their respective disorders. The tragic outcomes for these characters resonate with the reality of the disorders they represent.
In summary, Shakespeare's exceptional insight into mental illness, combined with his unparalleled storytelling skills, allows us to explore the complexities of the human psyche through the lens of 16th-century England. His works remain a testament to his psychological genius, offering modern readers a deep and riveting analysis of the mentally disturbed, and his depictions continue to astonish and captivate both literary enthusiasts and mental health professionals.
References:
- Farreras, I. G. (2018). History of mental illness.
- Hanson, Marilee. (2015). Tudor England Mental Illness Types & Facts.
- Cummings. (2010). Shakespeare and Medicine.
- Kendall, Hammen. (1995). Abnormal Psychology.
- Sparknotes No Fear Shakespeare.
