Hamlet Essay, Research Paper

The theme of appearance as opposed to actuality is illustrated through several main characters in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. Many characters in the play strike one as virtuous, noble, and just, making it difficult to discern whose actions are honorable and sincere and whose actions are not. To conceal their vicious motives and destructive actions, these characters display invalid personas of themselves. Three of the main characters that demonstrate this theme of fact versus fiction are Polonius, Claudius, and Hamlet. Polonius’ character adheres to the theme by clearly showing that he only wants to keep up the image of a kind and gentle man to look good rather than to actually be good. This is also exhibited through the false appearance Claudius portrays in front of the council. The main character, Hamlet, most vividly illustrates this theme by hiding behind his madness, whether it is real or pretend. These masks of falseness provide a shield for their inner selves and help them achieve their evil desires unnoticeably.

Polonius’ character adheres to the theme by clearly showing that he only wants to keep up the image of a kind and gentle man to look good rather than to actually be good. Polonius, the lord chamberlain, disguises himself to be a loving and caring father to his son, Laertes. In reality, Polonius is really coldhearted and plagued with lies and evil. He displays the theme of appearance versus actuality on numerous accounts throughout the play. In Act I, Scene II Laertes asks King Claudius for his “leave and favour to return to France”. He continues to tell him that he only came to Denmark to perform his duty in the king’s coronation, and now that his duty is done, he wishes to return to France with the king’s leave and pardon. King Claudius asks him if his father, Polonius, has given him leave and he also asks Polonius what he has to say about his son returning to France. The lord chamberlain replies “He Hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave… Upon his will I seal’d my hard consent: I do beseech you, give him leave to go.” Polonius’ blessing to his son to go away sounds sincere, but is truly hollow and lacking feeling. This shows his preoccupation with the impression he gives off to others rather than what he really feels inside. He acts like he is confident and trusting of Laertes going off on his own. In contrast to that disguise, Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to follow his son and keep an eye on him. This shows that in reality he is not a loving, caring, or trusting father. The lord chamberlain further adds to the theme of appearance as opposed to actuality by commanding his daughter Ophelia, to stop seeing prince Hamlet. He lies to her telling her that the prince does not love her, when he really does. Polonius tells her this only to protect himself and to further his motives. Throughout the play Polonius seems to be an honest and loving parent to both Laertes and Ophelia. In reality, he lies, manipulates, and eavesdrops to further his own selfish desires. His evil actions catch up with him when he hides behind a curtain to secretly witness Queen Gertrude and Prince Hamlet’s talking. When Polonius gives himself away by crying out for help, the prince stabs him behind the curtain, mistaking him for king Claudius. Polonius contributes to the themes of fact versus fiction through his attempt to give off a false impression such that others will view him in a positive light and not realize his true evil character.

The theme of appearance as opposed to actuality is also proved through the false appearance Claudius portrays in front of the council. Throughout the play Claudius, the king of Denmark, presents himself as an honest and honorable man, making it difficult to uncover the hidden truth about his character. When Claudius speaks in front of the council he gives them the impression that he is worthy of being the king. With this mask of falseness, he wins their approval and respect. Claudius demonstrates the theme of the play by acting like a loving and respectful brother. He speaks kindly of Old Hamlet by showing affection and admiration for him when he really does not care about his death. To also illustrate the theme of fact versus fiction, Claudius portrays himself as respectful to his subjects Cornelius, Voltimand, and Polonius. When the two courtiers are sent to deliver a message to the king of Norway, Claudius shows his overabundant confidence and caring for them. The kindness assures them of his trust in them to gain acceptance from the council, not because he truly cares about them, but to make himself appear better than he really is. Claudius also shows his respect for his subjects through his actions toward Polonius and magnifies his appearance in front of the council. He speaks highly of Polonius and credits him for becoming the king of Denmark by telling Laertes “Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father”. This makes Claudius appear to be respectful and loving to his subjects. Behind this mask of misconception Claudius’ character contains lies and hidden intentions. The king further adds to the theme of the play by showing general concern and compassion for his nephew, Prince Hamlet. He gives advice to him about mourning his father’s death and gives off the impression that he is concerned about his nephew’s well being. He tells him that mourning can be damaging and dangerous, but he also shows Hamlet admiration for mourning so long. It is hard to uncover the truth about Claudius’ character because his actions seem to be so pure and honorable. Throughout the play, the king of Denmark reinforces the theme by appearing to be a worthy king when in reality, he is actually covering up his true character of an evil and conniving man.

The main character, Hamlet, most vividly illustrates this theme by hiding behind madness, whether it is real or pretend. It is very hard to tell what is just appearance and what is real in Hamlet’s character. He seems to be mad, but it is uncertain if it is real or just a cover-up of what he really feels and plans to do. His insanity causes him to mistreat other characters in the play both emotionally and physically. This is shown in Hamlet’s actions toward Ophelia during their private conversation in Act III, Scene I. He illustrates his madness by violently lashing out on her against women, insulting and humiliating Ophelia. He appears to be rejecting her and offending her by saying, “I did love you once… You should not have believ’d me…I loved you not.” It is difficult to discern whether or not this is true or if it is just an act of lunacy. Hamlet’s mask of insanity suggests that he does not love her, but after Ophelia commits suicide, he goes to her grave and without the mask of falseness, confesses his true love for her. Hamlet’s mistreatment of other characters is also shown in Act III, Scene III when the prince converses with his mother, Queen Gertrude. His wrathful behavior causes her to become frightened and call out for help, “What wilt thou do? thou wilt not murder me? – Help, help, ho!” Hamlet also uses his madness to conceal his cruel and uncaring character that physically harms innocent people. Rosencratz, Guildenstern, and Polonius are victims of this insanity also and he expresses only moderate regret for their deaths. Hamlet’s madness greatly strengthens the theme of appearance as opposed to actuality. His rashness towards these characters and just about every other character in the play appears to be an effect of his lunacy, but in reality it is his true character. His insanity is a cover to mask his real feelings and evil intentions.

The theme of appearance as opposed to actuality is illustrated through several main characters in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. To conceal their vicious motives and destructive actions, Polonius, Claudius, and Hamlet display invalid personas of themselves. Polonius’ character adheres to the theme by clearly showing that he only wants to keep up the image of a kind and gentle man to look good rather than to actually be good. This is also exhibited through the false appearance Claudius portrays in front of the council. The main character, Hamlet, most vividly illustrates this theme by hiding behind his madness, whether it is real or pretend. These false impressions serve as defense for their true characters and help them acquire their evil intentions inconspicuously.