The Downward Spiral of Hamlet.

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The Downward Spiral

        

Hamlet is one of the great tragedies written by Shakespeare. It is the story of a young man and his struggle to deal with the recent death of his father. This death he soon learns was no accident, and that his mother is now married to the man who killed his father. This man being the late kings own brother, Hamlets Uncle. While reading this play it becomes apparent that nothing really is what it seems. The court of this castle is two faced. Several characters hide who they are and their actions, lies, and deceptions add to the plot and make the ending so tragic. Many characters in the play hide behind masks to hide their true selves and true motivations. Some of the characters being Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and the king Claudius as well. They hid behind these masks to protect themselves from the lies they have told, the tricks they have done, and the evil that manifests in them.

        For starters Polonius is the kings royal assistant, and he appears to be like a loving and caring person. Not only does he appear to be a loving and caring person but also a loving and caring father. Polonius shows us he is not who he would like us to think he is with his son Laertes. When Laertes requests to go to France Polonius gives him his blessing, and best wishes. He gives his son advice to help him while in France, but this is only so he can look like a caring father. “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell. My blessing season this in thee.” (I, iii, 78-81) He tells him to be true to himself, and not be false to any man, yet he false to his own son. After Laertes leaves for France Polonius sends a spy to France to keep an eye on Laertes. He tells him to watch what he does, talk to whom he socializes with. Find out what he does with his money, and if he drinks, or parties, if he utilizes prostitutes or not. He is to find out all of Laertes actions before he makes his presence known as a visitor, with letters from his father. “Inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris, And how, and who, what means, and where they keep, what company, at what expense; and finding by this encompassment and drift of question that they do know my son, come you more nearer.” (II, I, 7-11) He betrays his son by doing this.  Laertes thinks he is in France on his own, to do his own will, with the blessing and trust of his father. When his father who does not trust his son, sends spies. Polonius shows use he wears a mask by doing this. He appears to be a loving, trusting father when he really isn’t.  He proves it to us again when he talks with his daughter Ophelia. He tells her that Hamlet has no real feelings for her, that it is only lust. He tells her that the only reason he is with her is because he hasn’t been able to meet anyone else yet. Polonius tells Ophelia not to believe Hamlet because he is lying to her, to use her. “ Do not believe his vows, for the are brokers, not of that dye which their investments show, but mere implorators of unholy suits…” (I, iii, 126-128) He then orders her not to speak to Hamlet any more, and she obeys. Ophelia obeys because she loves and trusts her father, yet he makes her break the rule. He tells her she is not allowed to speak to Hamlet, yet later he and the king have her talk to him as they spy. Polonius allows himself to appear as a caring well doing dad, when he really is a spying, manipulative man. By Polonius wearing a mask, and not showing his true colors he adds to the plot of the play because Hamlet felt betrayed by Ophelia. This betrayl made Hamlet act crazier, and everyone react more seriously. Like Claudius and his plans to have Hamlet sent away.

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        Another example of people wearing masks in the play Hamlet is Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Both of these gentlemen were friends with Hamlet since child hood, and they come to hamlet as what seems like friends, but really they were sent there by the king to see what ails hamlet. To see why is acting so crazy, Claudius wants to know the root of Hamlets actions. Hamlet welcomes his old friends, yet he knows why they have come to visit him. Hamlet is very careful not to allow them to see or hear what is truly wrong with him; he wants ...

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There are lots of points in this essay but they are not connected with any real structure which means the writing lacks direction. It is important to remember to analyse the key points; language, structure, form and the impact these all have on the audience. This essay slips into the narrative on too many occasions. 3 Stars