In many of Shakespeare's plays, we can see the definite use of appearance versus reality. Appearance versus reality is such a popular tool that is used in Shakespeare's masterpieces because it can be seen in our everyday lives. There are many occasions where we portray ourselves to be someone we are not as well as times when we see other people for what they are not. One of the most prominent plays in which we see the theme of appearance versus reality is Hamlet. Within the play, we see how Prince Hamlet feigns his madness in order to avenge his father's death. Hamlet's madness is feigned because he openly declares his madness; he does not act on impulse, and is in constant contact with Horatio.
             When individuals openly state that they have a mental problem, it is very possible that that particular person is fibbing and just searching for attention. Most people who have a mental problem are not aware of it which can lead to unbelievable behaviour at times. Prince Hamlet was sane and just seeking the attention of individuals to prove Claudius' guilt. Directly from the beginning of the play when Hamlet speaks to the ghost, who is supposedly Hamlet's father, he tells Horatio and Marcellus:
             And therefore as a stranger give it welcome.
             There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
             Than are dreamt of in your philosophy,
             Here, as before, never, so help you mercy,
             How strange or odd some'er I bear myself –
             As I perchance hereafter shall think meet
             To put an antic disposition on –
             That you, at such times, seeing me, never shall,
             With arms encumb'red thus, or this head-shake,
             Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase,
             As 'Well, well, we know' or 'We could, an if we would'
             Or 'If we list to speak' or 'There be, an if they might'
             Or such ambiguous giving out, to note
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