Nietzsche's Use Of Deception In Hamlet

Ralph Waldo Emerson states; “The most dangerous thing is illusion.” Shakespeare shows exactly that in Hamlet. Although it’s shown that one could gain much through illusions, it’s also made clear that whatever the individual gained from the illusion is merely a deception in itself. This presentation by Shakespeare shows that there is nothing advantageous about deception or illusions, when in fact, it’s simply a cowardly display that puts its user in even more risk. To a greater extent, Hamlet shows that it’s not just the illusionist’s target who is harmed. Critics like August Wilhelm von Schlegel and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, describe the use of illusion as a tool to emphasize the feeling of tragedy within Hamlet. Between Hamlet’s

In other words, he displays the natural rise and fall of a deceiver. As the illusionist and criminal, Claudius is the owner of secrets he wishes would never be discovered since the throne isn’t the only thing at risk for him. To understand Claudius, one must understand that the severity of his crime comes at the price of his own head. In effect, this is Shakespeare hinting at the idea that the illusionist will eventually hurt himself through his own illusions. In the beginning, Claudius acts like a true noble king. To most characters he was of strong character and perhaps he only took the throne because he was told to since nothing was out of nature. However, as he quickly realizes that Hamlet knows of his faults, Claudius’ character makes a sharp turn in personality. This is shown through the way he addresses Hamlet. Before the meta-theatre occurs, Claudius is shown to be comfortable in addressing Hamlet, the son of the man he murdered, as his own; “But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son—" (1.2.64). In comparison, as his fear begins to further develop into paranoia, he begins to address Hamlet as not his own child, but Gertrude’s child as he asks, “Where is your son?” (4.1.3). By doing this Claudius attempts to end relations with Hamlet physically and mentally. In spite of that, that didn’t seem to be enough for Claudius. In addition to considering Hamlet an enemy,