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In the play, Hamlet, there is a theme that remains constant throughout the play. It is appearance versus reality that is when something is not what it seems. Polonius, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, and King Claudius are the two main characters that appear to be something they are not. Both Claudius and Polonius from the outside give off the impression of a person who is sincere and genuine. The reality of the two is completely different than what is put on for show.
Claudius is the one that killed King Hamlet and is married to his wife. In front of people he would act as a normal king and brother would, but on the inside he is evil and demonical. He can sit there and take over the throne, knowing he was the cause of the Kings death. While also holding a meeting and discussing the death of King Hamlet. Eventually he decides to send Hamlet to England where the un expecting Hamlet will be killed. Guildenstern and Rosencrantz add to the theme because they go to Hamlet as friends.
Asking him all sorts of questions. When in reality they were sent to him by the King and Polonius, to find out certain information. The once friends of Hamlet appeared to be helping and being friends to Hamlet, but in reality were sent as spies. Polonius worries too much about what people think about him. He always wants to keep up the appearance of loving and caring person. Polonius appears like a man who loves and cares about his son, Laertes.
He gives his advice to his son to make is seem that he is a good father, looking out for the well being of his children. But in reality is he only speaks to look good, "And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!" (Act 1) Here he gives a blessing to his son and send him away to school. Only later do we come to find that he sent someone to spy on him.
Another way Polonius adds to this theme is by telling Ophelia she can no longer see Hamlet. He lies to her telling her that Hamlet does not love her, he only lusts for her, in truth he does love her. In reality Polonius lies, manipulates people and eavesdrops on peoples The characters in the play help emphasis the theme appearance verses reality. Polonius, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, and the king all appear to be good and honest. Hamlet later finds out that they all are evil and have a certain plan. It does take a while for Hamlet to uncover the truth about each character, because they all seem good and honest.
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