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Hamlet one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, where the young prince of Denmark
must uncover the truth about his fathers death. Hamlet a play that tells the
story of a young prince who's father recently died. Hamlets uncle Claudius
marries his mother the queen and takes the throne. As the play is told Hamlet
finds out his father was murdered by the recently crowned king. The theme that
remains constant throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Things within
the play appear to be true and honest but in reality are infested with evil.
Many of the characters within the play hide behind a mask of falseness. Four of
the main characters that hid behind this mask are Polonius, Rosencrantz
(Guildenstern), the king Cluadius. From behind this mask they give the
impression of a person who is sincere and genuine, in reality they are plagued
with lies and evil. There appearance will make it very difficult for Hamlet to
uncover the truth, the characters hide behind. Polonius the kings 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 who loves
and cares about his son, Laertes. Polonius speaks to his son with advice that
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, he sends a spy to
follow him and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone, he
gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his
own. In reality he lies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch
him. His advice he gives his son is rehearsed and only said to give the
appearance of a loving father. Polonius further adds to the theme appearance
verses reality by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. He lies to her telling
her that Hamlet does not love her, he only lusts for her, in truth he does love
her: Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know, When the blood burns , how
prodigal the soul Through the play Polonius hids behind his mask appearing to be
honest loving parent. In reality Polonius lies, manipulates people and
eavesdrops on peoples conversation. Polonius helps contribute to the theme
appearance verses reality by showing how his appearance is not his true nature,
behind the mask there lies someone totally different. Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern are two of Hamlets childhood friends who when asked by the king ,
try to find out what is troubling the young prince. Both help to contribute to
the theme by showing there appearance of being Hamlets friends.
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