Thetheme of appearance versus reality in Hamlet.

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Appearance versus Reality Theme Found in Hamlet

        Shakespeare has been credited as one of the greatest authors in the English language. His writing structure and the lessons learned from his plays have made an impact on society, by allowing more people to appreciate literature more, and learn from the mistakes of the characters. It is for this reason why people continue to analyze and study his literature to this day; the play Hamlet is no different. There were many themes in the play that made Hamlet stand out. One of these themes is appearance versus reality; a theme which questions whether everything is as it seems, and can be seen through deceit in the play. The theme of appearance versus reality in the play Hamlet can be seen by the deceitfulness, and actions of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Claudius, and Polonius, which work to advance the plot of the play.

        The theme of appearance versus reality resonates quite frequently throughout the play through the characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and their deceitfulness. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two of Hamlet’s childhood friends. However, throughout the play, it can be seen that their intentions are never sincere. From the news of Hamlet’s insanity, they were called to Denmark by Claudius and Gertrude. The King and Queen wanted to discover the root of Hamlet’s madness, and so they wanted Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet, because since they are childhood friends, Claudius and Gertrude assume they know Hamlet well.  In Act 2 Scene 2 when Rosencrantz and Guildenstern first appear in the play, it is obvious that they would much rather please the King than stick up for their old friend. “But we both obey, and here give up ourselves in the full bent to lay our service freely at your feet, to be commanded.” (2.2.29-33) This shows that they are willing to be a tool for the approval of Claudius. These two characters constantly pretend to be on Hamlet’s side and to be his friend, but in reality they are there doing the dirty work for Claudius, looking to infiltrate Hamlet’s life. Due to their incompetence and dishonesty, Hamlet is able to see right through their actions, and call them out for what they really are; liars, and fakes. Hamlet uses this to his advantage by making fun of them saying “Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me” (3.2.354) The reason why Rosencrantz’s and Guildenstern’s fake persona iss important in this play, is it is what leads to Hamlet almost dying, but also his decision to begin his attack on Claudius. Since Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Claudius’ trusted spies, Claudius told them to go with Hamlet on “official business”, when instead it is a death sentence for Hamlet. This is the point where Hamlet had enough. Hamlet saw through Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s fidelity, and saw that the end needed to come because he is tired of them being deceitful with him. Hamlet changes the contents of the letter they brought, which is originally his own death sentence, and he changes it so that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern die. Through Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s fake character and pretending to be Hamlet’s friend, it had led to their inevitable death. This had all happened due to them wanting to be accepted by King Claudius.

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        King Claudius is the main character which shows the theme of appearance versus reality. Throughout the entirety of the play, he had a fake mask on, masking his true identity. He is a manipulator, using his fancy words and education to manipulate the minds of the people. First of all, Claudius is a murder. This is exposed by the Ghost in Act 1 scene 5. Even though Claudius has no remorse about the murder, he pretends to be grieving with the rest of the state of Denmark. “Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother`s death the memory be green, and ...

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