Examples Of Appearance And Reality In Hamlet

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Appearance Versus Reality in 1984 and Hamlet How does a person’s appearance affect the way you perceive them? Appearance can hide a person’s personality and their intentions, and can often create conflict. Appearance versus reality is a common theme used in novels to create conflict and help to evolve the plot. 1984 by George Orwell and Hamlet by William Shakespeare have similarities and differences in the way appearance and reality is used. The original purpose of deceit in each novel appears different but have the same meaning. The way the theme of appearance versus reality is conveyed through different mediums such as double lives, actions, and organizations are similar. In the end, the theme of appearance and reality has different outcomes …show more content…

Hamlet uses double lives, like in the case of Hamlet and Claudius, and actions to convey different appearance and reality scenarios. Hamlet told Horatio and the guards of his plans: “As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on” (1.5, 172-173). After the conversation with the Ghost, Hamlet decides to uses a mad persona to hide his plans of revenge from Claudius. Both Hamlet and Claudius can be seen living secret lives, which ties in with the theme of appearance and reality. Another way appearance versus reality is shown in the play is through actions; this method creates dramatic irony. Hamlet put on the play ‘The Mousetrap’ for Claudius; it was actually a test to see if Claudius is truly guilty of King Hamlet’s murder. King Hamlet’s murder is also an example of appearance and reality, everyone believes that he died from a snakebite but he was really murdered. 1984 conveys appearance and reality in different forms. Similarly to Hamlet, 1984 shows appearance and reality through double lives and actions. 1984 also uses propaganda and government ministries to show appearance and reality. Julia acts like a typical citizen of Oceania, she participates in the Two-Minutes Hate and is a member of the Junior Anti-Sex League. She, like Winston, is able to hide her revolt against the Party by acting usual. Mr. Charrington acts innocent and trustworthy as he poses like …show more content…

The use of appearance and reality in Hamlet sends a negative message about lying and faking. All of the characters that lied and were deceitful were killed throughout the play. The ironic actions of these characters ended up turning against them. For instance, Laertes tried killing Hamlet with a poisoned sword but ends up killing himself with it. By this, Shakespeare seems to be saying that deceit is a deadly fault and should be avoided. 1984 has a mixed message about appearance versus reality. Winston said: “He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother.” (Orwell, 311). This quote explains how Winston is thinking after being tortured by the Party. Winston is broken and follows the Party’s ways of conformity. In his mind-controlled state, Winston even believes that his previous rebellion was a personal test. Although Winston and Julia’s deceptive lifestyles were for noble causes, they had poor outcomes. On the other hand, O’Brien, Mr. Charrington, and the country of Oceania were not punished for their treachery. In fact, they were successful in their mission of revealing revolutionists like Winston and Julia. Unlike 1984, all characters that were deceitful died in Hamlet. These contrasts as in Hamlet, the appearance and reality theme is shown as an appalling issue. Where in 1984, the appearance and reality is unpredictable. Winston and Julia failed, but the Party

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