Illusion Against Reality in Hamlet
The focus of this essay is the struggle between appearance and reality as illustrated in the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. This play teaches us about the reality and appearances and how important each of these are. The struggle between appearance and reality is clearly evident throughout the play. Things within the play appear to be true and honest but in reality are polluted with evil, mainly the characters.Polonius the king's royal assistant has a fixation with appearance. He always wants to keep up the appearance of la oving and caring person. Polonius appears to be like a man who loves and cares about his son, Laertes. Polonius speaks to his son with advice, which sounds sincere but in reality it is rehearsed, hollow and without feeling. Polonius gives his advice only to appear to be the loving caring father. The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: "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 then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!" Act 1 Polonius gives his son Laertes his blessing to go away, but he sends a spy to f
Polonius further adds to the theme appearance verses reality by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. Last appearance that makes difficult to uncover the truth is Claudius' careness. " (Shakespeare 2:2:278) From these words he is demanding an answer from his schoolmates as to their unexplained arrival. Both show that it will be very difficult for Hamlet to uncover the reliability hidden within the lies. In reality he cares little for the old king, he just gives appearance of loving brother. Under this shiny disguise hides a most sinful man. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. William Shakespeare's brilliant use of character skilfully conveys Hamlet's theme of appearance versus reality. It is getting harder and harder to uncover the truth about Claudius. He appears to be to be an excellent king. He wants Hamlet to remain in Denmark. Hamlet quickly reveals the truth and says, "Were you not sent for/ And there is a kind of confession in your looks, which your modesties have not craft in color. His advice he gives his son is rehearsed and only said to give the appearance of a loving father. Hamlet mocks king, but he still asks to stay.
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Acceptance Essays
