Appearance Vs Reality In Hamlet

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Throughout the play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlet learns the truth of his father’s recent murder performed by his uncle. When we jump forward in the play Hamlet is approached by is ghost dad and is told to avenge is murder. He must do this by killing his uncle and newly crowned king, Claudius. Throughout the play, the theme of appearance vs. reality stays constant. Four characters in the play have two different sides to them. One side being honest and sincere people and the other side is dark and a dirty cheat. These characters are Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and King Claudius.
When focussing first on Polonius, he is the loyal councilor to Claudius or his right-hand man. First off he gives us the impression of being an …show more content…

As Laertes decides to leave for France, Polonius appears to be supportive and happy for his son’s decision. With his farewell Polonius sends Laertes off with 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). After Laertes left Polonius sends his servant, Reynaldo to spy on Laertes because he does not trust him. Polonius then asks Ophelia to end her relationship with Hamlet, telling her not to trust him and that he is only using her. At this time we as the reader we know that Polonius know how the ex-King was killed. He is iffy of Hamlet because he does not what him to find out what happened and hurt his daughter Ophelia.“Do not believe his vows, for they are ‘brokers, Not of that dye which their …show more content…

reality. King Claudius wanted so bad to be the king that he killed his own brother, King Hamlet, and then married his brother’s wife, Gertrude. At the beginning of the play, Claudius gives the impression that he cared for his brother speaking well of him: “…and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe…”(1.2.3-4). He only spoke of King Hamlet like this to appear as a kind and caring person in front of the his new kingdom. Claudius appears to be a caring and loving person towards Hamlet as well. After the murder of Polonius, Claudius has set up for Hamlet to be sent to England for his concern for Hamlet’s safety: “Hamlet, this deed, for thine especial safety (Which we do tender, as we dearly grieve For that which thou hast done) must send thee hence ” (4.3.44-48). Claudius is doing this to appear to look good before the kingdom but in reality, he is sending Hamlet to his death. Claudius also announces to the kingdom that Hamlet is next in line for the crown, “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). Claudius also speaks to hamlet appearing to be concerned, mentioning that grieving too much over the death of his father is not good for anybody. He makes himself look like a good, caring man in front of the council in

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