Hamlet Appearence vs Reality
Possibly the best piece of writing ever done by William Shakespeare, Hamlet, is a classic example of a tragedy. In all tragedies the hero suffers, and usually dies at the end. Romeo and Juliet commit suicide, Brutus falls on his sword, and like them Hamlet dies by getting cut with a poison tipped sword. The theme that remains constant throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Things within the play appear to be true and honest but in reality are polluted with evil. Many of the characters within the play hide behind a mask of dishonesty. Four of the main characters that hid behind this mask are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Polonius, and the king Claudius. From behind this mask they give the impression of a person who is sincere and true, in reality they are overwhelmed with lies and evil.Hamlet is spied on many times in the play. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two of Hamlets childhood friends who when asked by the king, try to find out what is troubling the young prince. Both help to add to the theme by showing their appearance of being Hamlets friends. The pair goes to Hamlet pretending to be his friends when in truth they are only there because the king asked them to find the truth
Claudius is the current King of Denmark. During this play he makes a lot of impressions that differ from the truth. Claudius becomes King of Denmark after killing his brother and marrying his brother's widow, Gertrude. For example, he wants to show council that he is an honest and honorable man. He speaks well of the King Hamlet by showing a general love for him and all his subjects. In reality he cares little for the old king, he just gives appearance of loving brother. It is getting harder and harder to uncover the truth about Claudius. Next thing Claudius does is announcing that Hamlet is next to get a crown. This shows that Claudius would let Hamlet become the next king when he is gone. It reveals a love and care for Hamlet to the council and Gertrude. Also it makes Claudius appear to be kind and loving person, "You are the most immediate to our throne; And with no less nobility of love." (Shakespeare 1:2:109) Last appearance that makes difficult to uncover the truth is Claudius' careness. He wants Hamlet to remain in Denmark. Hamlet mocks king, but he still asks to stay. Claudius wants to show that he deserves to be a king. Throughout the play, characters help to show the theme, which is appearance verses reality. Rosencrantz and Guildenst
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Approximate Word count = 847
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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