Hamlet by shakespeare
Hamlet by shakespeareThe Masks We Wear
Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's best-known plays, tells the tale of a young Danish prince who must uncover the truth about his father's death. Hamlet's uncle Claudius, the King's brother, does the honourable deed and takes control of good King Hamlet's throne and also his queen, Gertrude, after the two are married. As the play unfolds, Hamlet finds out his father was murdered by the recently crowned king. The theme that remains constant throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Things within the play appear to be true and honest but in reality are infested with evil. Many of the characters within the play hide behind a shroud of falseness. Four of the main characters that hide behind these cloaks are Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Claudius. From behind their "masks" they give the impression of a person who is sincere and genuine, in reality they are steeped in lies and evil.
Polonius, friend and assistant to the king, is always concerned with his appearance. He always wants to keep up the appearance of a sweet, gentle person. Polonius appears to be a man who loves and cares about his son, Laertes. He speaks to his son with advice that sounds sincere but in reality it is rehearsed, hollow and without feeling. Polonius gives his advice only to appear to be a good father. The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good. Polonius even ends his speech to his son by saying:
"And borrowing dulleth th' 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!" (I, iii, ll. 77-81).
Polonius gives his son Laertes his blessing to go away, but then immediately sends a spy to follow him and keep an eye on him. This shows his duplicity when he gives the appearance of a loving father who cares for his son, when in reality he lied about his trust for his son. His advice he gives his son is rehearsed and only said to give the appearance of a gentle father. Polonius further adds to the theme by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. Polonius says to her:
"Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know,
When the blood burns, how prodigal the soul
Lends the tongue vows. These blazes, daughter,
Giving more light than heat, extinct in both
Even in their promise, as it is a-making,
You must not take for fire" (I, iii, ll. 115-120).
He lies to her by telling her that Hamlet does not love her, he only lusts for her.
Throughout the play Polonius hides behind his "mask" appearing to be an honest, loving parent. In reality, Polonius lies to,...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.