An Analysis of Hamlet’s Insanity: A Relevance Theory Perspective

Abstract

Hamlet’s insanity is a controversial topic which scholars have debated about for centuries. This thesis makes a tentative application of the Relevance Theory proposed by Sperber and Wilson in the interpretation of Hamlet’s insanity in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Relevance Theory is the foundation of cognitive-pragmatics. A multi-level cognitive-pragmatic analysis of the cognitive environment of the characters and the relevance of the characters’ verbal communication helps to reveal the inner thoughts of the characters and unfold the artistry of Shakespeare’s language, which Hamlet verifies that Hamlet just feigned insanity and also proves the applicability of Relevance Theory in the analysis of dramatic language.