Theme Of Appearance Vs Reality In Hamlet

Hamlet, the prince of Denmark and student at the University of Wittenberg, plays an important role in the theme of appearance versus reality. To begin with, Hamlet is believed to be mad by many characters in the play. However, the reason behind his madness is never known. Claudius says; “Something have you heard / Of Hamlet’s “transformation” – so call it / Since nor th’ exterior nor the inward man / Resembles that it was. What it should be, / More than his father’s death, that thus hath put him / So much from th’ understanding of himself, / I cannot dream of” (2.2.4-10). Due to Hamlet’s behaviour, it made people like Claudius wonder why there was a change in his behaviour. Although Hamlet’s behaviour makes it seem as if he is mad, he is not.
Hamlet’s madness was simply an act. Also, Hamlet made it seem as if he hated Ophelia. Hamlet says; “If thou dost marry, I’ll give thee this plague for thy dowry. / Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not / escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell. Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well / enough what monster you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly too” (3.1.136-141). Hamlet wishes for terrible things against Ophelia, therefore, it appears as if Hamlet hates Ophelia. However, Hamlet is truly in love with Ophelia and he simply says awful things to her to make her feel as if he hates her. During Ophelia’s burial, Hamlet expresses his love for Ophelia, which was hidden from others, including Ophelia. Hamlet expresses his love for Ophelia in ways that no one else could have. Lastly, Hamlet wears black clothing for a very long time throughout the play as he is mourning his father’s death. Hamlet