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, di

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.

sguises 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 cont

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Approximate Word count = 1502
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)