A popular topic of discussion among Shakespearean critics is whether or not Hamlet is sane or not at various points in the play. Usually this comes down to wondering at what point Hamlet crosses the fine line that marks the limits of reason into the realm of madness. This is a confusing question to answer, because it's hard to tell when the prince is acting and when he's truly mad. The question of determining the timing of the crossing is further complicated by the fact that everyone around him is constantly talking about madness. In the end, we must either conclude that Hamlet is an extremely talented actor, capable of remaining in character under the most difficult circumstances, or that he is human and therefore his sanity gives way to the many roadblocks external emotions that present themselves to him. The most likely conclusion is that Hamlet is at some point mad. It remains to be discovered when this crossover occurs and, secondly, what are the main factors that contributed to his mental collapse. I will ignore the crossover point issue and let another article examine that point. Rather, I propose that Hamlet's religious beliefs, acquired at Wittenberg University, contributed significantly to his loss of sanity. According to the commentary at the beginning of the Folger Library edition of Hamlet, the prince studied at the University of Wittenberg. The commentary also states that the play was probably first performed around 1600. Coincidentally (or not), this is around the time that Martin Luther served as professor of theology at Wittenberg. It was while teaching at Wittenberg that Luther experienced the so-called "tower experience", or when he arrived middle of paper...... acts are strictly prohibited according to his beliefs. On the other hand, the commandments also command him to honor his father and mother. Hamlet has the burden of deciding whether to do his father's will or God's. This can be seen as a choice between his two fathers, that of earth and that of heaven. Hamlet's beliefs are so strong and his love for his father so great that he tries to avoid making the decision by proving that the ghost is not a ghost. layer. When Hamlet's experiment with the players verifies the ghost story, Hamlet realizes that he must choose which father to follow. Does he go against the teachings of the Church and commit an act of revenge murder? Or is he ignoring the wishes of the father he adored? Choosing one or the other path means disappointing one of them. The burden that this decision brings Hamlet to finally fall from the plane of reason.