Polonius, the King’s royal assistant, has a preoccupation with appearance. 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. Before Laertes leaves to Paris, Polonius speaks to his son with advice that sounds sincere, but in reality is rehearsed, hollow, and without feeling. Polonius gives his advice only to appear to be the loving caring f

Polonius further adds to the theme appearance verses reality by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. He lies to her telling her that Hamlet does not love her, he only lusts for her, when in truth he does love her: “Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know, When the blood burns, how prodigal the soul.” (Act 1, Scene 3 lines 115 & 116) Through the play Polonius hides behind his mask appearing to be honest loving parent. In reality Polonius lies, manipulates people and eavesdrops on peoples’ conversations. Polonius’ appearance is not his true nature; behind the mask there lies someone totally different.

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 Hamlet's 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 father’s death. Claudius further makes it difficult to uncover the truth by announcing that Hamlet is next in line for the throne of Denmark. This shows that Claudius would let Hamlet become the next king when he is gone. This reveals a love and care for Hamlet to the council and Gertrude making Claudius appear to be kind, loving person: “You are the most immediate to our throne; And, with no less nobility of love.” (Act 1, Scene 2 lines 109 & 110) Claudius’ final conduct that makes him a difficult truth to uncover, is his care and want that Hamlet remain in Denmark. Claudius is insulted by Hamlet, he asks Hamlet to stay only that his queen Gertrude wants Hamlet to stay. Claudius appears to be concerned with Hamlet’s well being, Gertrude and council see this, making Claudius a more deserving per

Some topics in this essay:
Paris Polonius, King Claudius, Scene Claudius, Voltimand Cornelius, Hamlet’s Gertrude, Claudius Hamlet, Polonius Claudius, Madam Nay, Gertrude Claudius, Norway Claudius, act 1, 1 scene, act 1 scene, scene 2, 1 scene 2, claudius speaks, scene 2 line, king claudius, theme appearance, 2 line, 2 lines, care hamlet, scene 2 lines, son laertes, deserving person king,