Theme Of Appearance Vs Reality In Hamlet

Like how the caterpillar transforms into the beautiful butterfly, or how the chameleon changes its colour according to its surroundings, the world is a place full of a variety of people who may not act according to his/her own outward demeanor. The obvious events of appearance versus reality which occur in everyday living is also a prevalent theme throughout literature and media; William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is no exception. In fact, this theme provides the characters of Hamlet with a wall of protection to allow them to conceal their weaknesses and unruly desires which eventually lead to their demise. The honest nobleman Polonius, the newly inaugurated king Claudius, and the intelligent prince Hamlet, all use a false façade to gain their desires,
Using some backhanded methods, Claudius was able to claim the throne and wife of his dead brother. During the wedding celebration of Claudius and the queen, Gertrude, he tries to unite Denmark . Claudius announces a heart-felt speech which mentions “ Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death The memory be green, and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe,” (I.II.1-4). By speaking about his brother's sudden death in a distressed but strong manner , he creates a persona people can place trust in. It eliminates thoughts of the old king dying of unnatural causes, and removes Claudius from any suspicions. Claudius' greed for power and for the love of his wife Gertrude leads him to sacrifice old Hamlet and lie to everyone about his true nature. Furthermore, he uses his false personality on his nephew Hamlet; who has been grieving for the past few months after the death of his father, the king. Claudius uses the wedding celebration as a chance to tell Hamlet to be a man and end his depressing mood. He assures Hamlet that “And with no less nobility of love Than that which dearest father bears his son Do I impart toward you.” (I.II.110-113). With this speech-like conversation, Claudius tries to end Hamlet's grieving by establishing a paternal role
In particular, he shows how well he has led people to believe in his madness whilst he was conversing with Ophelia. When Ophelia's father sends her to end her relationship with Hamlet, Hamlet declares “You should not have believed me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I loved you not.” (III.I.117-119). Hamlet continues to behave in manner so unlike his usual self that even Ophelia, a person who loves and knows Hamlet well, cannot distinguish his act. Although Hamlet may not mean what he conveys to her, he's able to spread the word of his madness which will help him in continuing on his path for revenge. Furthermore, Hamlet continues to convince people of his insanity by using riddles and speaking in a matter which is difficult for most understand. While speaking to old schoolmates Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, Hamlet is able to use his intelligence to take hold of the situation, realizing that Claudius had sent these two for information. In their conversation, Hamlet feels confident enough to admit that "I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw. "(II.II.351-352).This scene displays how well Hamlet is able to read situations. He now knows people believe and have taken notice of his odd behavior, which will help him in becoming unaccountable for his actions.