In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, many of the characters exhibit a puzzling, duplicitous nature, namely, Hamlet and Claudius. Shakespeare weaves an ambiguous tale where, through the attributes of acting a role and that of being true to one's self, each of the characters appear to be something they are not (Unknown2 2). The reason for the characters' ruse is that they must struggle with some sort of internal dilemma consciously or sub-consciously, be it revenge, hypocrisy or deceit. These three issues make up a thematic basis of this tragedy; they are the reality that is hidden behind a mask of appearances.

In this play, Hamlet consistently contradicts himself through his pledges of revenge and action, only to become emotionally distraught and self-piteous moments later in revelations to the audience (Unknown1 1). He further displays his paradoxical nature by his feigned madness, which is the essence of the appearance versus reality theme of Hamlet.

In the first act, Hamlet appears to be very straightforward in his actions and inner state (Crunelle-Vanrigh 6). When questioned by Gertrude about his melancholy appearance, Hamlet says, "Seems, mad

All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past,

Within the book and volume of my brain...(1.5.100-103).

There is no confusion about Hamlet's character at this point; he appears to be concentrating wholly on the injustice committed against his father (Unknown1 4). However, when Hamlet appears again in Act 2, it seems that he has lost the conviction that was present earlier; he has yet to fulfill the oath he made to his father. Instead of playing the part of a vengeful son, he remains in limbo in a guise of insanity.

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Approximate Word count = 968
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)