The Theme of Appearance vs. Reality in William...

The Theme of Appearance vs. Reality in William Shakespeares Works Characters within one of William Shakespeares greatest tragic plays, Hamlet, appear to be true and honest but in reality are infested with many falsehoods and deceptions. Characters such as Polonius, Claudius, and Hamlet give an impression of a person who is sincere and genuine, but behind their masks are plagued with lies and evil. As a result of Shakespeares ingenious character development, there is a dominant and overwhelming theme that is concurrent throughout the play. The theme of appearance versus reality engages the reader to overlook apparent behavioural†¦show more content†¦iii. 78-80). Polonius contradicts this wise expression when he states, Ill silence me een here (III. iv. 4) with reference to his plan to eavesdrop on Hamlet and Gertrudes conversation. Polonius deceives characters around him to portray himself as lovin g and caring person, where in actuality is a person that lies, manipulates, and eavesdrops. Claudius also exemplifies the appearance versus reality theme, by the fact that appears to be kind and gentle. In actuality, he is using his kindness and gentleness as a mask to cover up the malicious murder that he so violently committed. Claudius through out the play feels guilt for action, and thus tries to repent for his sin in Act III, Scene iii by praying. In his prayer he mourns, My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer / Can serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder? (III. iii. 52-53). In this scene Claudius is not clear on what to feel. He struggles to get out his prayer, because he is unsure if he will be forgiven. He wants to repent for his sin, but he knows that he cannot because he is not truly sorry. In Act III, Scene iii Claudius lists some reasons why he asks for forgiveness. He states, Of those effects for which I did the murder / My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen (III. iii. 55-56). Claudius realizes that externally he wants to seek forgivenessShow Mo reRelatedAPPEARANCE vs. REALITY IN THE PRINCE AND HAMLET1614 Words   |  7 Pages3. Reality and appearances, or if you prefer, being and acting, are important themes for both Machiavelli and Shakespeare. Why? How do their perspectives on this subject agree or differ? APPEARANCE vs. REALITY IN THE PRINCE AND HAMLET One of the most fundamental questions in philosophy is the appearance vs. reality. We find ourselves asking the question of what is genuinely real, and what is viewed merely as just an appearance, and not real? It becomes difficult when we assume there isRead MoreOthello Essay, Appearance vs Reality1175 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout history there has been a general understanding that appearances can be deceiving. 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