Appearance Vs. Reality In Hamlet

Throughout Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the theme of Appearance versus Reality stays constant. Many characters in the play appear to be honest and sincere but are really filled with deceit and mischievousness. Additionally, Hamlet the Prince of Demark displays many strong yet justified feelings and emotions. His despair, anger and melancholy are all emotions for this troubled character. In Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the word See operates in a unique way the shows both enhanced perception and insightful feeling across multiple characters.

When Gertrude questions why Hamlet is still mourning in Act 1, Scene 2, two months after his father has died, Hamlet responds "Seems, madam? Nay, it is, I know not 'seems.'" (1.2.75-76). The contrast between “seems” and “is” plays a crucial role in the play. Later in the play, Polonius gives off a persona of a

trustworthy, honest man as well as a wise and loving father to Ophelia and Laertes. Laertes plans to leave for France. He even gives Laertes a blessing, “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” (1.3.84-87). While this gesture may seem loving, Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to spy on Laertes. Two of Hamlet’s best childhood friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter when they are sent by king Claudius to determine the causes of Hamlet’s insanity. They appear that they are still Hamlet’s friends,
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greeting him with “My honored lord. My most dear lord.”) but in reality they are just doing a favor for King Claudius (2.2.240-410. Lastly, the recently new crowned king of Denmark, Claudius shows this theme as well. At first, he appears to show sadness and respect for his brother, “…and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe…” but he only did this to gain respect (1.2.3-4),. Furthermore, he announces to the kingdom that Hamlet will be next in order to take the throne as king, “You are the most immediate to our throne, And with no less nobility of love Than that which dearest father bears his son Do I impart toward you.” (1.2.113-116).
As the play progresses, Hamlet’s feelings and emotions towards his life develop in many ways. In Hamlet’s first soliloquy, it is revealed to the audience that Hamlet’s feeling of despair has driven him to thoughts of suicide,” How weary… His law ‘gainst self slaughter” (3.1. 56-90). Furthermore, in Act 2 scene 2 Hamlet reveals eye opening information to his friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He says he wishes to tell the King and Queen he has “lost all mirth”, in this world so “foul and pestilent” meaning he has lost all sense of fun in a world full of disease filled air. In his "To be or not to be" soliloquy, he shows his despair through thoughts of suicide, suggesting that suicide is an easy way to end life's problems. But luckily he ends stating that the fear of an unknown afterlife is what keeps us living. Additionally, throughout the play, Hamlet is very successful in justifiably expressing his anger. An instance of this occurs when in spite of his love for Ophelia, he discovers she is not being truthful to him and he exclaims "I loved
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you once…loved you not…Thus, to a nunnery, go." (3.1.155-162).

Hamlet continues to forcibly instill these ideas on Ophelia until he finally leaves the scene. Following Hamlet’s encounter with Ophelia, he confronts Claudius on the matter of his guilt. He reveals more thoughts of anger and outrage upon Claudius. Claudius then trys to pray and absolve his sins. Hamlet, with his sword drawn, declares that Claudius should die in a state of sin, not under prayer. In Hamlet’s mind his father was murdered before being able to ask for forgiveness and now he shall do the same to Claudius. He concludes hell will be the destination of his uncle's soul. This shows that not only was he upset with his father's murder but also that he wasn't given the opportunity to absolve his sins.

In Michael Stringley’s criticism of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet entitled “Hamlet’s Prophetic Soul” he focuses on an aspect of Hamlet’s behavior that seems for some strange reason, to have escaped attention and is commonly overlooked. He believes that Hamlet uses powers of divination or a “sixth sense” to guide him through the perils of the Danish

Court.
The first instance showing Hamlet is somewhat of a “psychic” occurs as Horatio begins to tell him about the appearance of his fathers ghost. During this scene Hamlet without warning says, “My Father- I think I see my father”. When Horatio asks where Hamlet responds “In my mind’s eye” (1.2.184-5). We can safely assume Hamlet’s precognition is evident here. Later, just after the Ghost reveals how he has and who murdered him, Hamlet makes another discovery. Hamlet exclaiming “O my prophetic soul! My Uncle!” is evident that he was wither truly
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surprised or that his soul had actually prophesized this news to him (1.5.41).
It is evident that William Shakespeare’s is a masterpiece in its self but only once one analyzes the characters inside this work will one understand its true beauty. Hamlet, as well as certain other characters demonstrate themes and literary examples the both enhance the readers perception into the story and provide an insightful experience for all those who choose dig deeper into the complex tale.