Appearance Vs Reality In Hamlet Essay

“Hamlet” is one of Shakespeare’s most prominent literary works. He uses a wide variety of imagery which can be incorporated into many themes, specifically Appearance versus Reality. Throughout this play there are many references to this theme through the characters’ actions and dialogue. Shakespeare uses these sorts of images to develop a vivid picture for the reader.
We are introduced to the theme of Appearance versus Reality early in the play by the introduction of the ghost. The ghost appears to Hamlet after it has met with Horatio, Bernardo, and Marcellus. When Hamlet and the ghost talk, the ghost tells Hamlet: “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown.” In appearance the ghost does not seem to be evil. In reality,
Hamlet is not sure if the ghost is telling the truth and can be trusted. Shakespeare’s use of the word serpent is meant to define King Claudius. The word serpent is used to paint an image in the reader’s head of a snake slithering its way on to the throne.
One of the many ways Shakespeare develops a picture for the reader is when he describes the scene between Laertes and Polonius. Polonius gives consent to allow Laertes to stay in France. Polonius even gives advice to his son to seem like a father that trusts his son wholeheartedly. In reality, Polonius sent a spy named Renaldo to watch over his son’s every move. Polonius does not trust his son or he would not have sent a spy to watch him. Polonius told Renaldo to spread lies about his son to obtain the truth about his son: “Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth.” Shakespeare uses these words to paint an image in the reader’s head, specifically the image of using lies to catch the truth. Shakespeare uses many different images to describe the idea he has to the readers. When Hamlet confronts Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about their spying he tells them that their spying will gain them nothing. Hamlet goes on to describe the atmosphere of the scene:“This majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.” Hamlet is describing how the night sky appears to be illuminated by beautiful stars; however, these stars are actually rotten deadly balls of gas. Shakespeare uses these words to make a reference to the King, Queen, and other important characters. These characters put on a facade to appear to others as better and these characters hide who they truly are. Hamlet uses the theme of Appearance versus Reality to exhibit his love for Ophelia.
Hamlet appears to give Ophelia the cold shoulder, but realistically, Hamlet truly cares for Ophelia. Hamlet’s speech may appear to not have affection for Ophelia: “Get thee to a nunnery, why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?” Hamlet’s speech appears to be insulting Ophelia, but really, he is trying to protect her. He is telling Ophelia to become a nun so she can be safe and away from harm.Shakespeare uses these words to appeal to the theme of Appearance versus Reality. Shakespeare's use of the word nunnery is to paint an image of a safe haven where Ophelia can avoid danger in the harmful world she lives
in. The theme of Appearance versus Reality can be seen when Hamlet invites King Claudius to the play he has set up.
In appearance it seems Hamlet has invited King Claudius to attend a regular play. In reality, The main intent of Hamlet’s invite to Claudius was to catch his reaction during the play. Hamlet inserted a scene tailored for his uncle to judge whether or not he is guilty. Hamlet tells Horatio to:“Observe my uncle: if his occulted guilt Do not itself unkennel in one speech It is a damned ghost that we have seen.” He tells Horatio this because he is not sure if the ghost is telling the truth. If Hamlet’s uncle does react to the scene in the play, then the ghost Hamlet spoke to is telling the truth and can be
trusted.