Hamlet Lies

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Relationship between Lies and Truth in Hamlet Lies and deception play pivotal roles in the conflict and plot in many pieces of literature. The theme of lying is demonstrated through various circumstances, whether the character is cognizant of being deceived, suspicious of this lie, or completely oblivious to it. The outcome also varies, whether the truth is blatantly disclosed to characters and the audience, just the audience, or remains unknown. Many of Shakespeare's plays delve into this theme, one of the most notable ones being Hamlet. In Hamlet, several characters are paranoid and have an intense yearning for the truth. Their desire to determine the truth and reality of a situation propels them to act undesirably, even leading them to deceive themselves. One of the most captivating parts of …show more content…

Although Polonius did not particularly like Hamlet being with Ophelia, the motivation to spy on him came stronger from Claudius, further insinuating that Polonius would jump on any opportunity to try and trick someone in pursuit of truth. None of Polonius's attempts to catch people lying work, as none of Laertes's activities in France are reported back to him, and they never catch Hamlet's cause for madness. Polonius's final time spying on Hamlet ultimately leads to his murder, as Hamlet mistakes Polonius's identity as he attempts to eavesdrop on Hamlet. This is a kind of karmic punishment for all of Polonius's spying in the pursuit of truth. This symbolizes the vicious cycle that can become created when people are dishonest and how lying creates more lies and conflicts. Hamlet is a character who is often a victim of deception throughout the play; however, he is also involved in trying to be deceptive. His father's ghost tells him that "the serpent that did sting thy father's life/ Now wears his crown" (1.5.46-47), leading Hamlet to try to find proof that is indeed

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