Essay On Appearance Vs Reality In Hamlet

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Appearance vs reality Not everything that glitters is gold,this include people.People tend to hide their true selves to meet the perfect manners that society expects,masking their unpleasant under sweet words and perfect smiles. Wicked intentions,deliberate deceptiveness,and hypocritical actions are characteristics seen in many Shakespeare's characters. The difference between appearance and reality is highlighted by Shakespeare in Hamlet . This is emphasized in his characters actions and motives . Characters masking the truth, and using wickedness to achieve personal goals , is a common theme in Shakespeare's Hamlet. King Claudius’s is an example of a character that hides his true foul motives and intentions under a mask of an upper class noble man. Shakespeare makes Claudius appears as caring good hearted man, even though his real motives is not so honorable. For instance, when Hamlet's father passes away, he seems compassionate and caring. “Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet,/ To give these mourning duties to your father”(Shakespeare 1.2.87-88). …show more content…
He advises his sons sincerely, but in reality his advice is hollow and rehearsed. He only care about others opinion, not his son’s well-being. For example, when his son decided to go to Paris , he gave him his blessing and what appears to be a genuine advice. “ my blessing with thee!/And these few precepts in the memory / look thou character.Give thy thought his act”(1.3.57-59).On the other hand, he sends Reynaldo to spy and keep tabs on his own son. Despite his appearance of the trusting father, and his advice was just for appearances . “you shall do marvelous wisely , good Reynaldo/before you visit him ,to make inquire/ of his behavior”(2.1.3-5) , he spies on his son to make sure that his image in society does not change .His hidden intentions are far way from being sincere despite his appearance.