Character Duplicity in Hamlet - 4193 Words

In Act I Scene II of Hamlet, Gertrude asks Hamlet, Why seems it so particular with thee? Since death is common to all, she asks, why does Hamlet seem to be making such a particular fuss about his fathers death? He replies, Seems Madam? Nay it is. I know not seems. It is not a question of seeming, but being: His black mourning clothes are simply a true representation of his deep unhappiness. With this line, Shakespeare develops the theme of appearance versus reality and that he intends to stress Hamlets dedication to truth in contrast to appearances which serve others, notably Claudius. Allied to the question of Hamlets madness is a variety of references to the idea of acting a part or of presenting a false image to the world. Hamlet†¦show more content†¦Claudius speaks highly of Polonius giving him thanks and saying the he was responsible for Claudius becoming king: The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denma rk to thy father. What woudlst thou have, Laertes? (Act 1, Scene 2 lines 47 - 50) This council would see this as a man who greatly respects his subjects and cares for them. This adds to the difficulty of uncovering the truth for Hamlet later. Hamlet enters the council chamber and speaks with Claudius. King Claudius speaks with Hamlet seeming to be concerned with Hamlet. He gives advice that over grieving is not healthy, this shows a concern for Hamlets well being. This conduct of Claudius gives him the appearance of being kind in front of council that accepts him even more for his family values: How is it that the clouds still hang on you? (Act 1, Scene 2 line 66) Claudius appears to be even more caring when insulted by Hamlet he still shows love and general care for Hamlet. A normal king would have become angry and Hamlet would have gotten into trouble. Claudius shows the council that he is understanding of Hamlets grief over his father: A little more than kin, and less than kind. (Act 1, Scene 2 line 65) Claudius gives Hamlet advice that over grieving can be harmful and not healthy. He tells Hamlet that he is an admirable person for grieving for so long over his fathers death. Claudius further makes it difficult toShow MoreRelatedSomething and Nothing in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay1731 Words   |  7 Pagesasks Hamlet What is my Lord? and Hamlet replies Nothing.(3.2. 109,111) Shakespeare uses nothing multifariously in his tragic play   Hamlet.   Nothing becomes a way for the reader to draw parallels between Young Hamlet, and his slain father.   Young Hamlets   use of   the word nothing, consistently borders on the realm of something. Still, nothing is more than a   mere lack of something, nothing is the catalyst that enables the reader to see the coalescency that exists between Hamlet, andRead MoreHamlet And The Basic Human Need For Truth1478 Words   |  6 PagesHamlet and the Basic Human Need for Truth Marcus Aurelius is quoted as saying, â€Å"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. 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