Hamlet one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, where the
young prince of Denmark must uncover the truth about his fathers death.
Hamlet a play that tells the story of a young prince who's father recently
died. Hamlets uncle Claudius marries his mother the queen and takes the
throne. As the play is told Hamlet finds out his father was murdered by the
recently crowned king. The theme that remains constant throughout the play is
appearance versus reality. Things within the play appear to be true and
honest but in reality are infested with evil. Many of the characters within
the play hide behind a mask of falseness. Four of the main characters that
hid behind this mask are Polonius, Rosencrantz (Guildenstern), the king
Cluadius. From behind this mask they give the impression of a person who is
sincere and genuine, in reality they are plagued with lies and evil. There
appearance will make it very difficult for Hamlet to uncover the truth, the
characters hide behind. Polonius the kings royal assistant has a
preoccupation with appearance. He always wants to keep up the appearance of
loving and caring person. Polonius appears like a man who loves and cares
about his son, Laertes. Polonius speaks to his son with advice that sounds
sincere but in reality it is
rehearsed, hollow and without feeling. Polonius
gives his advice only to appear to be the loving caring father. The reality
is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then
actually be good: "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above
all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in
thee!" Act 1
Polonius gives his son Laertes his blessing to go away, he sends a spy to
follow him and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone,
he gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on
his own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch
him. His advice he gives his son is rehearsed and only said to give the
appearance of a loving father. Polonius further adds to the theme appearance
verses reality by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. He lies to her
telling her that Hamlet does not love her, he only lusts for her, in truth he
does love her: Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know, When the blood
burns , how prodigal the soul Through the play Polonius hids behind his mask
appearing to be honest loving parent. In reality Polonius lies, manipulates
people and eavesdrops on peoples conversation. Polonius helps contribute to
the theme appearance verses reality by showing how his appearance is not his
true nature, behind the mask there lies someone totally different.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two of Hamlets childhood friends who when
asked by the king, try to find out what is troubling the young prince. Both
help to contribute to the theme by showing there appearance of being Hamlets
friends. The pair go to Hamlet pretending to be his friends when in truth
they are only there because the king asked them to find the truth. There is
some irony within the twins, they are asked by the king to find out the truth
by hiding within a lie, by pretending to be his friend: A dream is but a shadow
Act II.
Hamlet knows there purpose for their visit is to dig into his soul to find
the real reason for his actions as of late. As the play continues the twins
are asked again by the king to go to Hamlet and try again to find the real
reason for Hamlets behavior. Hamlet insults them at every chance knowing they
are lying to him about there purpose of the visit: Tis as easy as lying;
govern these ventages with you finger and thumb, give it breath with your
mouth...Act III As the melodrama continues Hamlet goes with the twins to
reclaim money that another state owes Denmark. Hamlet is sent by the king to
retrieve the assets. In actuality Hamlet is sent off to wither because the
king, Claudius knows that Hamlet knows too much and must be killed. The twins
show there appearance of being Hamlets friends but in truth they have a
hidden reason for visiting with Hamlet. Both show that it will be very
difficult for Hamlet to uncover the fidelity hidden within the lies.
Claudius the king of Denmark conduct in council gives him the appearance of
an Honest and honorable man. In Act one scene two Claudius in the presence of
council shows his true skill and ease of manner at speaking. Claudius speaks
well of the spent king by showing a general love for him by all his subjects.
Claudius show respect for the old sovereign by speaking kind words of him. In
reality he cares little for the old king, he speaks kindly only to give the
appearance of loving brother. Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death
The memory be green, and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief, and
our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe Act I As Claudius sends
Voltimand and Cornelius off to give the king of Norway the message of
Fortibras, he thanks and gives them complete trust, in the deliverance of the
notation. This shows his trust and caring for his subjects in front of the
council, wining even more consent from the council: We doubt it nothing:
heartily farewell. Act I Claudius increases his appearance of a honest and honorable
man, in front of the council by showing his respect for Polonius. He gives
him the power to let his son Laertes stay or leave for Norway. Claudius
speaks highly of Polonius giving him thanks and saying the he was responsible
for Claudius becoming king: The head is not more native to the heart, The
hand more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denmark to thy
father. What woudlst thou have, Laertes (Act I ii, 47-50) This council would
see this as a man who greatly respects his subjects and cares for them. This
adds to the difficulty of uncovering the truth for Hamlet later. Hamlet
enters the council chamber and speaks with Claudius. The king (Claudius)
speaks with Hamlet seeming to be concerned with Hamlet. He gives advice that
over grieveing is not healthy, this shows a concern for Hamlets well being.
This conduct of Claudius gives him the appearance of being kind in front of
council that accepts him even more for his family values: How is it that the
clouds still hang on you? Act I Claudius appears to be even more caring when
insulted by Hamlet he still shows love and general care for Hamlet. A normal
king would have become angry and Hamlet would have gotten into trouble.
Claudius shows the council that he is understanding of Hamlet's grief over
his father: A little more than kin, and less than kind. Act I . Claudius
gives Hamlet advice that over grieveing can be harmful and not healthy.
Claudius tells Hamlet that he is a admirable person for grieveing for so long
over his dads death. Yet again Claudius keeps putting on the appearance of
the honorable man.
Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, To give these mourning
duties to your father: But, you must know, you father lost a father; That
father lost, lost his; and the survivor bound In filial obligation for some
term To do obsequious sorrow; but to persever In obstinate condolement is a
course Act I Claudius further makes it difficult to uncover the truth by
announcing that Hamlet is next in line for the throne of Denmark. This shows
that Claudius would let Hamlet become the next king when he is gone. This
reveals a love and care for Hamlet to the council and Gertrude making
Claudius appear to be kind, loving person: You are the most immediate to our
throne; And with no less nobility of love Act I Claudius final conduct that
makes him a difficult truth to uncover, is his care and want that Hamlet
remain in Denmark. Claudius is insulted by Hamlet, he asks Hamlet to stay
only that his queen Gertrude wants Hamlet to stay. Claudius appears to be
concerned with Hamlets well being, Gertrude and council see this ,making
Claudius a more deserving person to be king.
As Claudius speaks in council he gives the appearance of someone who is a
deserving person that should be king. Claudius is voted in as king meaning he
is already approved by everyone. Claudius gives respect to his subjects
giving the council the impression that he respects them. The king shows
general concern for Hamlet, his nephew. This will make it very difficult to
prove the truth about Claudius in the future for he has not only, one the
love and respect of council (that voted him in). But also has prevented a
attack on Denmark (from Fortinbras) proving that he is good king that can
protect the state from harm. Claudius makes it very difficult for Hamlet to
uncover the truth about the true nature of Claudius in the future. Through
the characters within the play all help to show the theme, that being
appearance verses reality. Polonius, Rosencrantz (Guildenstern) and the king
all appear to be good and honest. As Hamlet finds out, all contain lies and
have hidden intentions within them. As each character is presented in the
play all appear to be good and honest making it a difficult task for Hamlet
to uncover the hidden truth about the nature of each character. As Hamlet
best said it somethings is rotten in Denmark That being the lies which have
replaced or covered the true state of each character.
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