Appearance Vs Reality In Hamlet Essay

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Throughout William Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet”, Hamlet discovers the truth about his father’s recent murder. Hamlet learns that his uncle and newly crowned king, Claudius, is his father’s murdered and promises to avenge him. Many characters in the play appear to be honest and sincere but in reality are filled with mischievousness. The them of appearance versus reality is a constant theme throughout the play. Four particular characters in the play hide behind a mask of evil. Hidden behind this mask are Polonius, King Claudius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. While behind this mask Polonius, King Claudius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear to be pure and trustworthy but on the other side they are filled with evil and dishonesty. The loyal councilor to Claudius, Polonius, appears to be a caring father to …show more content…

When they approach Hamlet they appear to be Hamlet’s friends: “My honored lord. My most dear lord.” (II.ii.225-226). Although Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear to care about Hamlet’s problems, their inquiry of his problems are not sincere; they are simply there to abide by the king’s orders. Hamlet knows they were sent by the king and makes fun of them, refusing to tell the reason behind his insanity. Hamlet understands that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are not concerned about his insanity out of compassion and friendship but instead are only caring as a favor for Claudius. In William Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet”, It is quite evident that Polonius, King Claudius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are all two faced. The theme of appearance versus reality is shown multiple times in the play through these characters. Polonius, King Claudius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern all first appear to be honest and sincere. As the play continues, each character’s true self is discovered and in reality they are all evil and

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