How Is Hamlet Enforcing The Theme Of Appearance And Reality In Hamlet
A child is expected to have respect and obey the parents in an unconditional matter. In the play Hamlet the author, Shakespeare includes both themes of filial duty and appearance versus reality to explain certain behaviors young Hamlet obtained. Other characters like Ophelia are used to reinforce the theme of filial duty. While Claudius is used to enforcing the theme of appearance versus reality. For instance, Hamlet’s filial duty begins when he has vowed to the ghost to avenge his death. “So, uncle, there you are, now to my word.” This shows the act of filial duty as he begins to obey and go through his revenge that the ghost has asked for. Another example of obedience is present in act one, scene two when Gertrude has asked Hamlet to stay home and not return to Wittenberg. Hamlet responds by saying, “I shall in all my best to obey you, madam.” This explains that his obedience will be accomplished as much as he can. The continuous act of obedience towards the ghost is also shown towards the end of act five when Hamlet has fully avenged his father’s death and kills Claudius by poisoning him. Also, Ophelia has also shown obedience towards her father Polonius. Her obedience is shown when Polonius has asked her to get away from Hamlet. Polonius speaks to Ophelia about what is going on with Hamlet and her; she obeys and tells him
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how she believes Hamlet is showing true affection towards her. When Polonius asked Ophelia to distant herself from him she simply says; “I’ll do as you say, father.” She doesn't show an act of rebellion and sees him behind her father’s back instead she follows her father’s orders. Meanwhile, the other theme of appearance versus reality ties in to filial duty. The obedience Hamlet offers towards the ghost explains how he had to change his behavior so no one would suspect what his real intentions were. In the play, Hamlet appears to be insane and infact he warns his friends that his behavior will change this is proven in act one scene five. “How strange or odd soe’er I bear myself (As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on).” Hamlet allows for everyone to think that his behavior is due to the rejection Ophelia has towards him. Hamlet appears to be crazy, but in reality, he tries to mislead them so they will not have a clue about the obedience he has promised the ghost. Additionally another example of appearance versus reality is Claudius’ character.
He appears to be a loving uncle-father towards Hamlet when in reality he has caused him great sorrow in killing his father. He wants everyone to see him as an innocent father that cares about Hamlet’s well-being. “With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, In equal scale weighing delight and dole Taken to wife. Nor have we herein barred your better wisdom, which have freely gone with this affair along.” He only pretends to do what the people of Denmark think is right when in reality he had everything planned the second he decided to kill his
brother.
how she believes Hamlet is showing true affection towards her. When Polonius asked Ophelia to distant herself from him she simply says; “I’ll do as you say, father.” She doesn't show an act of rebellion and sees him behind her father’s back instead she follows her father’s orders. Meanwhile, the other theme of appearance versus reality ties in to filial duty. The obedience Hamlet offers towards the ghost explains how he had to change his behavior so no one would suspect what his real intentions were. In the play, Hamlet appears to be insane and infact he warns his friends that his behavior will change this is proven in act one scene five. “How strange or odd soe’er I bear myself (As I perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on).” Hamlet allows for everyone to think that his behavior is due to the rejection Ophelia has towards him. Hamlet appears to be crazy, but in reality, he tries to mislead them so they will not have a clue about the obedience he has promised the ghost. Additionally another example of appearance versus reality is Claudius’ character.
He appears to be a loving uncle-father towards Hamlet when in reality he has caused him great sorrow in killing his father. He wants everyone to see him as an innocent father that cares about Hamlet’s well-being. “With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, In equal scale weighing delight and dole Taken to wife. Nor have we herein barred your better wisdom, which have freely gone with this affair along.” He only pretends to do what the people of Denmark think is right when in reality he had everything planned the second he decided to kill his
brother.