The tendency of mankind is to conceal emotions and other actions to protect their feelings or to protect someone else. In Hamlet’s tragedy, almost all the major characters lie to each other in order to keep their secrets. Even though the lies might seem to be true, it is possible to not fully examine and identify Hamlet’s thoughts, Polonius, Claudius or Gertrude’s actions. In some scenes, characters might appear to change their behavior after acting one way in one scene. The ending of tragedy allows each character to be publicly identified and their final outcome, demise.
Hamlet is the central character of the story. His unique moves make him stand out from others. This is to confuse his true intentions and motives. “I will tell you why. I will keep my secret to the queen and king from your discovery. Although I am aware of this, I believe I have late misplaced my mirth. Ii, 293-303)”. This is a wonderful example of Hamlet speaking directly about reality and look. Hamlet is testing the trustworthiness and reliability of Rosencrantz, Guildenstern by using the denotation in the first sentence. Hamlet may have already realized that R&G wanted to speak with Hamlet about what was wrong. R&G is told by Hamlet that he’s insane and will not reveal the true reasons behind Hamlets actions in the second sentence. R&G received the message about Hamlet and Hamlet had time to consider his options. However, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern have a different approach. R&G act as Hamlet’s longtime friends but are really just acting out of greedy money. They don’t know the true issues and they don’t care about Hamlet’s feelings. They are also confused by the situation and try to make it better, but Hamlet sends the two of them to their deaths.
Gertrude, Hamlets mother, is seen in a manner that is both disgusting and true to life. Act I. Ii sees Claudius trying to comfort Hamlet in his grief at his deceased father. Gertrude however wants to keep Hamlet there to support her family. Hamlet continues his rantings after this, “within one month Ere Yet the salt ofmost unrighteous tears; Had left the flushing eyes galled, she married (I.Ii)” Hamlet is disgraced by the events following the death of his father.
Gertrude, who was grieving for Hamlet’s dad, performed as if she were in pain and shed tears after his death. Hamlet learns that Claudius becomes king after they wed. Hamlet believed that Claudius’ mother shouldn’t have been able to get married so quickly. This was an inexcusable trait to show to the old monarch. Hamlet believed his mom had been an adulterer and that this could have caused him to dislike women, including Ophelia. Hamlet was very critical of Ophelia’s sporting makeup, claiming that it conceals one’s true self. Hamlet’s perception of Ophelia is influenced by his mother. He feels that Ophelia might not be as pure and innocent as he believes, and will conceal something.
Claudius is not different from any of the other characters. His actions make him seem different. Claudius wanted the power and rulership needed to realize his dream. Act 4, Claudius speaks me to Gertrude. Come away! My soul is full of discord, dismay (IV. I., 41-45).”
Claudius, while speaking to Gertrude, seems concerned about Hamlet’s psychological health. Not because Hamlet is acting crazy but rather because Claudius fears that Hamlet may have examined the reality around him while praying.
Performers who performed the events in a manner that was almost identical to the murder of Claudius’ father. Claudius wanted Hamlet killed, but Hamlet saved his life by returning to Denmark. Literally, this quote speaks of how Claudius hates gossip and that it can travel far – all over the globe. He may also be stating that he doesn’t want to have a bad reputation and a nation that suffers from certain mishaps.
Polonius is a King’s councilor. It seems that he is a very good character. He is Ophelia’s father. He offers his blessing to his child, as a father usually does. Farewell. My blessing season this with thee (I.Iii. Polonius wants his son to be fine.
Polonius granted Laertes his blessing. However, he is afraid of his son’s actions while he is away alone, so he sends Reynaldo as a secret agent to spy on him. Polonius also wants Ophelia to avoid seeing Hamlet. Polonius uses Hamlet’s insaneness to gain favor with the King and show his worth. Polonius manipulates the King’s family and convinces them that he has valid motives and intentions. Polonius is very intelligent and thoughtful when speaking to his superiors.
This play’s characters don’t appear to be the real people they pretend to be. Hamlet seemed to be a bit loopy, but that was mainly to keep everyone from finding his plot. Gertrude seems to be in mourning for Hamlet senior, but she quickly forgets that she’s also grieving as she marries Claudius. Hamlet takes revenge on Ophelia. Claudius may also be a caring king. Hamlet, however, seems to know that Claudius has conspired against him. Polonius is a worry father, but he tricks his family and pretends to be the king’s right hand. Denmark is definitely home to something rotten.
