Hamlet spying and deception

A detailed Summary of Hamlet spying and deception

Who's there?" (1,I,1), is the opening line of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, a question

asked by a soldier on guard duty. A sentinel starting his midnight shift normally expects to

relieve his fellow sentry as usual; yet he still wonders and challenges the identity of his fellow

sentry, because he wonders if it may be someone spying. The question displays that there is a

need to assure that one is not being deceived. Spying and deception introduce the play and

continue to dominate the play, contributing to a major theme of Hamlet. The theme of

'appearance versus reality" is developed through the deception and spying in the play.

The tone of deception is initiated by Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, now, the bestial King of

Denmark. Claudius' murderous actions are revealed by Old Hamlet's ghost. The visitations

explain the background to Denmark's deception. "The serpent that did sting thy father's

life/Now wears his crown" (1,V,39-40). The first speech by Claudius is well organized and is

clever enough to conceal his deadly sin which was committed through a

consequences, realizing that once deception is started it is never really stopped. The deception

his mother and is stabbed by an impulsive reaction from Hamlet.

Hamlet uses the players to trick Claudius into revealing his guilt. When he is sent to England he

others. He sends Reynaldo to spy on his son and even encourages Reynaldo to lie about Laertes

The harlot's cheek, beautied with plast'ring art,

Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast.

Approximate Word count = 726
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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