What does it mean to be great? Can greatness be achieved, or is it a natural trait some possess, independent from events around them? One belief, popularized in the 19th century, is the Great Man Theory, which suggests that certain men have greatness within them upon birth, which is kindled by events around them. I believe greatness involves affecting many with simple, positive ideas.
When King Claudius warns that "Madness in great ones must not unwatched go" at the end of scene 1 of act 3, we automatically assume that Claudius considers Hamlet to be a great man. Maybe this great madness to which he refers is that which we saw in Hitler and Mussolini. The person is great, but uses the potential for destructive purposes. One could say that the king is a believer of a primitive form of the Great Man Theory, for he implies that being great is separate from what one does with such power. My opinion is that great people are formed by their actions, and not by their potential. Claudius fears the potential harm Hamlet can cause, which is logical if he has something to hide. Claudius feels threatened.
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