Terms+related+to+madness

By the time we meet as a class on Monday, take some time to define the following terms. We will use this page as a resource when we begin writing our argumentative essays on Hamlet's madness or sanity.

A complete entry for this list includes one thing: a clear and comprehensive definition of the word.

If everyone takes responsibility for one or two words and then also adds his or her own found definition/description for madness or sanity, you will be in good shape.


 * Everyone should contribute something to this section:**

//1. What is madness?// The state of madness can be defined as mentally disturbed or deranged. Madness could also refer to being enraged or angry. (LM) Madness is when you can't control your actions or your thoughts; it is the state of insanity. (dd) state of disorder and disorder in the mind, unable to understand civil and moral thoughts (BK) Madness also usually involves obsession -- unable to control yourself like Victor Frankenstein in creating life. (BH) Madness is a state of mind that involves irrational thought and action with no concrete justification (FG) Having Fury or rage over a seemingly minute subject (WG) //2. What does it mean to be sane?// knowing what you want, who you are, you're rational, reasonable, and sound of your judgement and opinions (BK) The concept of being sane is all based around your surroundings; do you appear to be normal in action and conduct to those around you. (FG) Being sane means having a healthy mind that is free from mental derangement. (JT) Being aware of your choices, actions, and accepting the responsibilities for them and not standing out greatly from the majority of people. (DH)

Vocabulary related to Hamlet's madness: (choose one or two words to complete)

1. acumen- n. keen insight, ability to understand/ ability to judge well. (LM) 2. judiciousness- n having, showing, or done with good (MA) 3. lucidity - very easy to understand. ADJ (JB) 4. prudence- caution with regard to practical matters; discretion (DH) 5. incisive- adj. remarkably clear and direct (WG) 6. sagacious - adj - having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense (BH) 7. discernment- n.- acuteness of judgment and understanding (JT) 8. l atent 9. cognizant - adj - the state of awareness, realization, or knowledge of something (BH) 10. faculty-Noun a natural or acquired ability (WG) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">11. vacillate- v.- to waver in mind or opinion (JT) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">12. delusion- n. a false belief or opinion, erroneous perception of reality (BK) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">13. aberration- n. mental irregularity or disorder, especially of a minor ortemporary nature; lapse from a sound mental state (FG) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">14. erratic- adj. deviating from the usual or proper course in conduct or opinion (FG) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">15. impetuous- adj. characterized by sudden or rash action (dd) 16. heedless- adj. to be careless, thoughtless, or unmindful. (LM) 17. frenetic- adj distraught with anger and frustration (BK) frantic, frenzied (BK)

18. neurotic- adj. abnormally sensitive, obsessive, or tense and anxious (MA) 19. deviant- adj. deviating, or departing from the norm. (DD) 20. nonsensical- adj. 21. psychopath- noun a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior. (MA)