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

. . .

View the whole essay, without interruption

As Polonius gives his son Laertes his blessing to go away, he sends Reynaldo, a spy to follow him and keep an eye on him.

Through the characters in the play Shakespeare can show the theme, which in part

is that of appearance verses reality. This conduct of Claudius gives him the appearance of being kind in front of council that accepts him even more for his family values: “How is it that the clouds still hang on you?” (Act 1, Scene 2 line 66)

Claudius appears to be even more caring when insulted by Hamlet he still shows love and general care for Hamlet. This shows his lack of trust for anyone. Claudius is voted in as king, meaning he is already approved by everyone.

In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. This conduct of Claudius gives him the appearance of being kind in front of council that accepts him even more for his family values: “How is it that the clouds still hang on you?” (Act 1, Scene 2 line 66)

Claudius appears to be even more caring when insulted by Hamlet he still shows love and general care for Hamlet. Claudius shows respect for the old sovereign by speaking kind words of him. Claudius shows respect for the old sovereign by speaking kind words of him. Claudius is voted in as king, meaning he is already approved by everyone. This shows his lack of trust for anyone. In reality he cares little for the old king, he speaks kindly only to give the appearance of loving brother. Claudius appears to be concerned with Hamlet’s well being, Gertrude and council see this, making Claudius a more deserving person to be king. 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.

Approximate Word count = 4327
Approximate Pages = 17 (250 words per page double spaced)

Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.