Appearance Vs Reality Essay Research Paper Appearance — страница 2

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and proceeds to insult them: ?It is as easy as lying. Govern these ventages with your finger and thumb, give it breath with your mouth…? (Hamlet 106). It is evident to see how these two ?buddies? of Hamlet add to the appearance versus reality theme. The conduct wonderfully presented by Claudius, the new king of Denmark, illustrates him as an honest and heartfelt man. In Act One, Claudius demonstrates his great skill at public speaking as he is in the presence of council: ? Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother?s death The memory be green, and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe? (Hamlet 33). The reality of the situation is that Claudius cares little for his brother and his death. He is just happy to be at the

head of the thrown; something he had previously longed for. He speaks respectfully and honorably of him and on his behalf only to be looked upon as a loving brother. In Act One, Hamlet directly insults Claudius, and yet the king continues the front of being caring and truly affectionate towards his nephew. A normal king (or any authority figure) would become angry an punish anyone who would degrade them in any way. Claudius demonstrates to his council that he is understanding of Hamlet?s grievances over his deceased father. He advises Hamlet that grieving can be harmful and not healthy. He reinforces that it is respectable and honorable of Hamlet to morn for his father: ? Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, To give these mourning duties to your father. But you must

know your father lost a father, That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound In filial obligation for some term To do obsequious sorrow. But to persever In obstinate condolement is a course Of impious stubbornness? (Hamlet 37). Claudius further makes it difficult for Hamlet to reveal the truth about the murder of his father when Claudius announces that Hamlet shall be next in line for the throne of Denmark. This demonstrates Claudius? apparent love and trust in Hamlet, that he would allow him to take his place when he dies. He seems to be an honorable and virtuous man when he declares this: ? You are the most immediate to our throne, and with no less nobility of love than that which dearest father bears his son do I impart toward you? (Hamlet 37). All in all, Claudius

appears to be a trustworthy king who would do anything for his kingdom. In truth, although, he is a selfish and greedy brother. He desired all his brother once had. He coveted his wife and tried to be a father-figure for his son. He wanted all being a king had to offer, and he achieved his position through the murder of his own flesh and blood. Behind his pure and moral mask, laid a monstrous and deceitful man. By reading the tragedy, Hamlet, one can reveal that the four characters mentioned in this essay (Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Claudius) are completely two-faced. They follow the theme of appearance versus reality specifically. Each give the first impression of being true to their intentions, honest, and pure. It is uncovered throughout the play that they are

all devious and cunning. These characters are impediments to Hamlet, as he fights to discover the truth which haunts him.