Hamlet Essay, Research Paper

No one who can truly understand Shakespeare can be shocked because everything we want and everything we do not want is contained within; it is man?s ultimate truth. Shakespeare?s work is the ultimate truth for mankind. ?No utter surprise can come to him who reaches Shakespeare?s core; that which we seek and shun is there–man?s final lore.? H. Melville was saying that Shakespeare contains the best and the worst in man and shows its truth. William Shakespeare in his piece Hamlet effectively used characterization and dialog to express the idea that there is often a difference between appearance and reality.

William Shakespeare effectively used characterization to help support the main idea of Hamlet. Characterization was used effectively to first introduce Hamlet into the play. Shakespeare used a series of puns to show that Hamlet is sarcastic and intelligent, and that he dislikes the king and has little respect for him. When Shakespeare wrote, ?A little more than kin, and less than kind!? (Act I, Scene II, Lines 68-69) Hamlet was saying that he is now twice related to Claudius, as a son and as a nephew, and that he is not like Claudius and he is not kind to him. It showed Hamlet?s cynicism and intelligence.

Shakespeare also used dialogue effectively to help demonstrate the underlying theme in Hamlet. Since the entire story is a play, it is presented through dialogue. For example, when Hamlet gave instructions to the players for the play-within-a-play it showed the difference between appearance and reality. Hamlet gave the players instructions to add a scene, which resembled the murder of Hamlet?s father. The players appeared to be performing a simple play but it was actually a plan by Hamlet to catch the king. ?The play?s the thing wherein I?ll catch the conscience of the King.? (Act II Scene II Lines 612-613) Hamlet wanted to use the players and the play and watch the reaction of Claudius to prove that he really had murdered his father. Hamlet?s actions showed the difference between appearance and reality.

There are numerous references throughout Hamlet, which allude to the difference between appearance and reality. For example, Hamlet has a strong dislike of outward show. This dislike and his false madness combined to further strengthen this theme. This was also highlighted by the hypocrisy and the flattery of the courtiers in the castle toward Claudius. The show respect to his face but in reality, they truly dislike the King. In addition, the numerous scenes of spying and eavesdropping help strengthen this theme.

The quote from Melville and the underlying theme of Hamlet only begin to explain the ultimate truth that Shakespeare wrote. This truth is the best and the worst of mankind. This cannot surprise anyone who truly understands the meaning of Shakespeare.