In Shakespeare's greatest works, we find the constant use of guilt and madness to add depth to the characters, deepen the drama and the plot and sometimes even lengthen the work itself. From Hamlet's constant struggle to murder his incestuous uncle to Macbeth's sudden ability to see ghostly daggers covered in blood, it's clear that Shakespeare has a method for dealing with his madness. Shakespeare uses guilt as a kind of net for the humanity of his characters. Throughout Macbeth and Hamlet Shakes, characters do deplorable things and the easiest way to help keep the audience rooting for a major character is to make them feel bad about those actions. This turns into “madness” which is omnipresent alongside the boyfriend’s guilt. Shakespeare doesn't just want the character to feel bad; He wants the public to know it too. This is what creates the complex visions, delusional statements, and general insanity shown by many of the characters in his works. We will begin the analysis on the presence of guilt and madness with Hamlet. What better character to begin an analysis on Hamlet than the man (or teenager) himself. Hamlet is the son of a once beloved and currently deceased king. After his death, King Hamlet's wife does what most women would do in this situation: marry his brother. This doesn't quite sit well with Hamlet, as shown by his constant gloominess and inability to forgive his mother. Meanwhile, the supposed ghost of King Hamlet wanders the grounds of the Danish castle looking for someone to tell Hamlet that he is there. So, with a healthy dose of depression and a weakened mind, Hamlet comes face to face with the ghost of his deceased father. Part of what makes Hamlet's "madness" so intriguing is the fact that we don't really know if it's true...... middle of paper ...... ashen representation of a feeling very real that humans experience: guilt. It takes these characters who think they have it all figured out and allows them to be wrong. When they are at their weakest, they fight and at their strongest, they sin. Shakespeare is trying to send a message to his audience with these tales of woe. He wants people to always remember to take control of their emotions and never let their emotions take control of them.Bibliography: Crawford, Alexander W. Hamlet, An Ideal Prince, and Other Essays in Shakespearean Interpretation: Hamlet; Merchant of Venice; Othello; King Lear. Boston RG Badger, 1916. Shakespeare Online. August 20, 2009. < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamlet/antichamlet.html >.