A Complex Identity: The Inner Self, the Outer Self, and the Crazy SelfIntroIt is often assumed that people act differently from themselves when they are in reality the company of others to make an impression. This raises the question of when one acts as themselves and what defines what their true personality is. If a man is complex and dynamic, isn't he a form of himself because he himself acts? In his play Hamlet, Shakespeare illustrates how both inner identity and public identity are dynamic and must both exist for them to exist, and similarly shows how Hamlet's public madness is a product of his inner art. Interconnecting traits of madness with brilliance and purposeful behavior with forthright thought, Shakespeare formulates Hamlet's versatile identity to reflect the complex nature of human identity. Inner Self Hamlet explains to his mother “it is not madness/ that I have uttered. Bring me to the test, / and I will rephrase the question, from what madness / would spring” (3.4.163-165). When it serves his purpose to force Gertrude to consider his words seriously, he admits to her that it is not madness that controls his words (rather his words that control his madness), and that he can prove this by explaining himself, which a man who spoke driven by madness could not do so. He admits to his mother, himself, and the audience that "[he] essentially [is] not in madness, / But mad in art" (3.4.208-210). Here he is intentionally, for a brief moment and for a purpose, showing his character as he would himself. This is the aspect that connects his inner and outer existence. It is the character trait that he admits and that others have determined from his communications. Even if it forms a new pu... middle of paper...revenge presentations in comedy. You use this analysis to your advantage in writing; however, I think there's an opportunity to explore the power of one revenge over another a little more. TEXT SUPPORT (20 POINTS): 18/20 I like the quotes you use, but because you use them to characterize the motivations of these men, I think there is more room to explore the language. The examples you use support your thoughts on the nature of every man's revenge. MECHANICS AND GRAMMAR (10 POINTS): 9/10 There were some minor errors (mostly punctuation of complex sentences) that I pointed out; none of them impeded the meaning. Review the handout or ask me if you are confused about those complex sentences with dependent clauses. In any case, and I think I've told you before, you have a clear and passionate rhetoric that makes your writing engaging to read..88/100