Hamlet Reality vs. Appearance

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Appearance vs. Reality in Hamlet In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, a young prince is confronted by his father’s ghost and is instructed to avenge his murder. Hamlet must uncover the truth of his father’s murder and devise a plan for revenge against his uncle, the king. This is impeded by Hamlet’s doubt, depression and the untrustworthy people surrounding the prince throughout the play. Appearance and reality are juxtaposed throughout the play as the characters hide their malignant intentions behind false behaviors. As Hamlet works towards a solution, he must learn that the honest and good facades people put out for the world to see are often darkened by evil intentions. Polonius is a character whose intentions appear pure and caring towards his own children and the royal family, but his real goal is to gain power in the royal court. The audience’s first impression of Polonius comes when he gives his son, Laertes, his blessing to go abroad and even gives him fatherly advice for the voyage. “to thine own self be true, / And it must follow, as the night the day, / Thou canst not then be false to any man. / Farwell. My blessing season this in thee.” (1.3.84-87) But immediately after, Polonius instructs Reynaldo to spy on his son to gain information. This thirst for information is apparent in Polonius throughout the play. His daughter comes to him for help after she was confronted by Hamlet acting insane and wild. “My lord, I do not know, / But truly I do fear it.” (2.1.96-97) She came to her father for help and guidance and was truly afraid, but instead of comforting her Polonius immediately brings her to the king and queen to share the news. The more information he can provide, the more powerful and important he is in the king’s

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