Hamlet Sainty
Hamlet appears to be insane, after Poloniuss death, in act IV scene II. ... Certainly, Hamlet has plenty of reasons to be insane at this point. ... These situations are enough to bring Hamlet to insanity, but he remains sharp and credible. Hamlet is able to make smart remarks to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, comparing then to sponges, "When he (Claudius) needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again," (pg 98, 20). This is random and unexpected, as many of his actions, but the comparison makes sense; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern soak up all the kings favors, only to become dry again after they mop up the Kings mess (spying on Hamlet, and getting Poloniuss body).