Symbolism Of Masks In Hamlet

In this world full of expectations, people put on masks and it becomes hard to differentiate between the mask they wear and who they truly are. Characters in books are no different, seeing as how authors generally try to keep their creations as relatable as possible. Shakespeare’s playwright embodies this aspect of life in regards to many, if not all, of his characters.

Hamlet, the blatantly obvious main character of the playwright epitomizes the trend of masks in his ploy of deceitful psychosis. Hamlet informs his kin, “How strange or odd some'er I bear myself/ (As I perchance hereafter shall think meet/ To put an antic disposition on)”, confirming that all that follows is solely a mask (I.v.190-192). Following this, readers and playwright

There is much controversy when discussing the love, or possible lack thereof, in regards to the fare maiden Ophelia. When speaking to the lady in question, Hamlet confesses “I did love you”, but then retracts the statement when sentiments become too high- or maybe he knew that their conversation was being watched. Although no evident proof can be found supporting the theory of Hamlet knowing of the spies in the area, there is some controversy in regards to how the conversation between the two ended. Hamlet asks about Opelia’s father’s whereabouts to which Ophelia lies saying that her father resides at home. Hamlet then comments, “Let the doors be shut upon him that he may play the fool nowhere but in ‘s own house”, implying that Hamlet knew the man of the hour was spying. This is far from hard proof, but still commentary that can’t be ignored. In other words, was Hamlet simply playing with Ophelia’s emotions, or was he being deceitful, because he didn’t want people knowing of his love for a lower class woman- one he would possibly never be able to marry due to the tainting of his family’s name and blow to his social class that would come from it. Following this, Hamlet later tells Ophelia “get thee to a nunnery”, which most perceive as a mock, but could mean something entirely different. With the surrounding context, the reality of