Hamlet Appearance Vs Reality Essay
Marley Denomme
ENG4UI
Mr. Reihe
November 12/12
Appearance Versus Reality in Hamlet A common theme in literature is the confusion between appearance and reality. The contrast between appearance and reality often causes one to disregard the fact that everything is not always as it seems. Characters in literature often disguise themselves as something their not, In order to deceive others and receive what they wish. Appearance and reality has become a constant issue and discussion of philosophy, and it has developed into a much more complex idea over the last century. In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, this contrasted theme is explored in three different ways. The complex theme of appearance versus reality is represented through Hamlet, Polonius, and Claudius. The first is Hamlet and the relationship between his inner self and outer appearance. The second is Polonius and the image he produces for himself versus his true sneaky and manipulative personality. Finally, the last is Claudius and his mysterious strive to hide the fact that …show more content…
Claudius desired to be the King of Denmark that he went to the largest extremes to receive what he wanted, by murdering his King brother himself. Claudius appears to be very sympathetic and filled with grief due to his brother’s death, when in reality he is an extremely ruthless and sneaky man. Claudius goes forth to become King being next in the throne, and throughout the play pretends to be innocent and upset about the loss of Old Hamlet. He successfully convinces all of Denmark of his sorrow for King Hamlet’s death to hide behind his guilt. He turns to lengths of questioning Hamlet’s reason for grieving to the extent he is, because he fears Hamlet’s awareness of the crime he committed against his
ENG4UI
Mr. Reihe
November 12/12
Appearance Versus Reality in Hamlet A common theme in literature is the confusion between appearance and reality. The contrast between appearance and reality often causes one to disregard the fact that everything is not always as it seems. Characters in literature often disguise themselves as something their not, In order to deceive others and receive what they wish. Appearance and reality has become a constant issue and discussion of philosophy, and it has developed into a much more complex idea over the last century. In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, this contrasted theme is explored in three different ways. The complex theme of appearance versus reality is represented through Hamlet, Polonius, and Claudius. The first is Hamlet and the relationship between his inner self and outer appearance. The second is Polonius and the image he produces for himself versus his true sneaky and manipulative personality. Finally, the last is Claudius and his mysterious strive to hide the fact that …show more content…
Claudius desired to be the King of Denmark that he went to the largest extremes to receive what he wanted, by murdering his King brother himself. Claudius appears to be very sympathetic and filled with grief due to his brother’s death, when in reality he is an extremely ruthless and sneaky man. Claudius goes forth to become King being next in the throne, and throughout the play pretends to be innocent and upset about the loss of Old Hamlet. He successfully convinces all of Denmark of his sorrow for King Hamlet’s death to hide behind his guilt. He turns to lengths of questioning Hamlet’s reason for grieving to the extent he is, because he fears Hamlet’s awareness of the crime he committed against his