Appearance and Reality Claudius and Polonius
In Act I Scene II of Hamlet, Gertrude asks Hamlet, "Why seems it so particular with thee?" Since death is common to all, she asks, why does Hamlet seem to be making such a particular fuss about his father's death? He replies, "Seems Madam? Nay it is. I know not seems." It is not a question of seeming, but being: His black mourning clothes are simply a true representation of his deep unhappiness. With this line, Shakespeare develops the theme of appearance versus reality and that he intends to stress Hamlet's dedication to truth in contrast to appearances which serve others, notably Claudius. Allied to the question of Hamlet's madness is a variety of references to the idea of acting a part or of presenting a false image to the world. Hamlet demands honesty, but is he himself always honest? Many characters, at various times, seem to be playing parts, and the troupe of players is in the play as an active reminder that in real life a person can play many roles, and it is not always easy to tell what is true from what only appears to be true. Polonius, the King's royal assistant, has a preoccupation with appearance. He always wants to keep up the appearance of loving and caring person. Polonius appears like a man
Claudius' conduct in council gives him the appearance of an honest and honorable man. In Act one Scene two, Claudius, in the presence of the council, shows his true skill and ease of manner at speaking. Claudius speaks well of the spent king by showing a general love for him by all his subjects. Claudius shows respect for the old sovereign by speaking kind words of him. In reality he cares little for the old king, he speaks kindly only to give the appearance of loving brother. "Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death, The memory be green, and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe." (Act 1, Scene 2 lines 1 - 4) Claudius appears to be even more caring when insulted by Hamlet he still shows love and general care for Hamlet. A normal king would have become angry and Hamlet would have gotten into trouble. Claudius shows the council that he is understanding of Hamlet's grief over his father: "A little more than kin, and less than kind." (Act 1, Scene 2 line 65) Claudius gives Hamlet advice that over grieving can be harmful and not healthy. He tells Hamlet that he is an admirable person for grieving for so long over his father's death. Claudius further makes it difficult to uncover the truth by announcing that Hamlet is next in line for the throne of Denmark. This shows that Claudius would let Hamlet become the next king when he is gone. This reveals a love and care for Hamlet to the council and Gertrude making Claudius appear to be kind, loving person: "You are the most immediate to our throne; And, with no less nobility of love." (Act 1, Scene 2 lines 109 & 110) Claudius' final conduct that makes him a difficult truth to uncover, is his care and want that Hamlet remain in Denmark. Claudius is insulted by Hamlet, he asks Hamlet to stay only that his queen Gertrude wants Hamlet to stay. Claudius appears to be concerned with Hamlet's well being, Gertrude and council see this, making Claudius a more deserving person to be king. As Claudius speaks in council he gives the appearance of someone who is a deserving person that should be king. Claudius is voted in as king, meaning he is already approved by everyone. Claudius gives respect to his subjects, giving the council the impression that he respects them. The king shows general concern for Hamlet, his nephew. This will make it very difficult to prove the truth about Claudius in the future for he has not only, won the love and respect of council (that voted him in), but also has prevented an attack on Denmark (from Fortinbras) proving that he is a good king that can protect the state from harm. At the very center of the play is Hamlet's view of acting on the stage, expressed in his advice to the players. As Claudius sends Voltimand and Cornelius off to give the king of Norway the message of Fortinbras, he thanks and gives them complete trust, in the deliverance of the notation.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 4327
Approximate Pages = 17 (250 words per page double spaced)
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