What does "a document in madness' exactly mean?

Question

"A document in madness"
A line of Laertes in Hamlet.
And in my language, the word 'document' is translated as a lesson or message.
I wonder if it is a liberal translation, or 'document' actually has meaning of lesson or message.
I want to know the literal word-for-word meaning of that line.
Does it mean some kind of proof in a state of madness?

Old Brixtonian · Accepted Answer

According to Etymonline, in the early 15th century "document" meant "a doctrine", but in the late 15th century,

"teaching, instruction" (senses now obsolete), from Old
French document (13c.) "lesson, written evidence" and directly from Latin
documentum "example, proof, lesson," in Medieval Latin "official
written instrument, authoritative paper," from docere "to show, teach,
cause to know,"

So "A document in madness" means a teaching, or a lesson, on madness."
Perhaps we would say "a manual on madness."

user419547 · Answer

The word document back then probably carried with it the archaic definition which was evidence or proof.
See definition #4 here https://www.dictionary.com/browse/document

What does "a document in madness' exactly mean?

2 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question