In the play "Hamlet," Shakespeare's characters are confronted with the timeless question: How can one determine what is actually true from what only seems to be true? Throughout the play, the theme of appearance versus reality is constant. This theme is played out from the beginning, with Claudius' attempt to conceal his secret intentions; Gertrude and Ophelia masking their own truths, and finally Hamlet, who assumes the role of a madman in order to uncover the reality behind his appearance.
Various characters try to cover their secret intentions with a veneer of a whole other person. One of the most obvious is Claudius. Claudius murdered his brother, the former King Hamlet, in order to become king himself. This murder, which was done in secret, with no one but Claudius knowing that the act was committed by him. Not only is he the King of Denmark, but he is also married to Queen Gertrude, his brother's former wife.
David Garrick in Hamlet, I, 4
Book signing and Hamlet Au's interview with Julian...
HamletThese awful crimes have not been punished , and on one knows that Claudius has done this. When Claudius confronts anyone, he must become someone different. He puts on a self-serving, cold, devious mask. Meanwhile , he acts like a caring husband who does his best to ensure that Gertrude stays with him. This helps Claudius to keep Hamlet from trying to take the kingdom and destroy what he has worked so hard to gain. To the end Claudius has different faces. But is Claudius really masking his true character, when he tries to seek redemption for his sins? Claudius wrestles with his guilt by asking himself:
"Where to serves mercy
But to confront the visage of offense?
And that's in prayer but his twofold force,
To be forestalled are we come to fall...
That cannot be, since I...
Okay, but lots of room for improvement
You don't really state a thesis. Your last sentence of your introduction should be elaborated a bit and split into 3 sentences, telling the reader what he/she should expect in the essay. The first sentence of your first body paragraph sounds like an okay thesis, and should have been put as the last sentence of your introduction.
'Not only is he the King of Denmark, but he is also married to Queen Gertrude, his brother's former wife' he became king by marrying the queen; thereby robbing Hamlet (next in line) of the throne. The marriage and him becoming king are one in the same.
You provide some good points in your essay but no quotes to prove them. For all the reader knows, you could be making up these points. No offence, but frankly I'm surprised you recieved such a high mark without the use of quotes.
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