hamlet Essay -- essays research papers

Appearance can be defined as a superficial aspect; a semblance; or pretending something is the case in order to make a good impression. Reality on the other hand can be defined as the state of being actual or real; the state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be. It is undeniably noticeable that throughout Shakespeare’s Hamlet many characters are playing roles: acting rather than being. This unquestionably reminds the reader of reality, where a person can play various roles. In reality, as well as in the play, it is not always easy to distinguish what is true from what only appears to be true. Throughout Hamlet, Shakespeare illuminates the theme of appearance versus reality by portraying principal characters. The principal characters put on an act to conceal their true motives and use it to carry out that motivation as well. The character Polonius reveals this theme stronger than any other character in the play. Throughout the play we see him as a noble and honest man who means well for his family and is a vital link between his son Laertes and daughter Ophelia. But in truth, Polonius is desperately attempting to keep up the appearance of a loving and caring man, in order to prove himself to be of a high status. Before Laertes parts for Paris, Polonius speaks to him and gives him fatherly advice that appears to be meaningful, but in reality is hollow, repetitive, and without feeling. This speech is questionably the most deceiving speech of the play, and takes much thought and study to realize Polonius’ real priorities and objectives. In fact, Polonius does not care much to advise his son for his depart, he simply does this to give the appearance of a loving and caring father: â€Å"Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. / Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, /Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel, /But do not dull thy palm with entertainment† (I.iii.65-68). However, at the end of his speech, Polonius makes quite an ironic statement, drastically changing the tone: â€Å"And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. /This above all: to thine own self be true, /And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not be false to any man. /Farewel. My blessing season this in thee!† (I.iii.77-81). Just when Polonius has won the trust of the reader, he sends Reynaldo to spy on Laertes, ultimately revealing Polonius’ inabi... ...d remains calm when insulted by Hamlet, while any other king would have gotten infuriated: â€Å"A little more than kin, and less than kind.† (I.ii.66). Claudius’ actions therefore make it difficult to depict the truth about him. This adds to the mystery of whether Claudius is a good king or merely a conniving liar. Each character in Hamlet is presented in a positive light, making it far more difficult for the reader to uncover the buried truth about the motives of each character. The principal characters blur the border between appearance and reality. Polonius, striving to appear the wonderful father while unable to avoid his conniving mentality; Hamlet, appearing insane and selfish when controlled and selfless; and of course King Claudius, smiling and kissing his sister-in-law/wife while wishing away the guilt of the murder of his own brother. These characters are complex and are a window through the appearances in our world to our reality. Shakespeare’s technique perfectly embodies the humanity of each of these characters, and sends this message right at the beginning of the play when all appears to be fine, but in reality, â€Å"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.† (I.iv.99)