Illusion vs. Reality in Shakespeare's Hamlet

This article explores the theme of Illusion vs. Reality in Shakespeare's Hamlet. It discusses how the characters in the play deceive and betray each other to fulfill their desires.

English

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In the play Hamlet, the author Shakespeare has efficiently used the theme of the “Illusion vs.
Reality” to unmask and release the thoughts of the various characters of the play. It is
significant to note that most of the chief characters in the play deceive and betray each other
to fulfil their desires, a glimpse of which is presented as follows.
One of the main characters of the play Polonius is the royal assistant of the King and always
appears as the caring and loving person. Further, he appears to be a trustworthy father. Both
of the appearances are an illusion. In reality, Polonius is fond of probing and spying in
addition to the deceitful conduct. The reality is that he is selfish, possesses dishonest
intentions and is hypocritical. For instance, in the following dialogue, Polonius appears to be
a father cum confidant giving blessings to his son, while actually, he sends a spy to follow his
son. "And borrowing dulls the 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!" (Shakespeare). In addition, he neglects his daughter's
feelings for Hamlet and goes on to tell her that he does not love her. However, he does so
because he intentionally does not wants his daughter around Hamlet because of his insanity.
The following quote from the play depicts Polonius disregarding his daughter’s feelings and
taking advantage of her emotional vulnerability. “And with a larger tether may he walk, Than
may be given you. In few, Ophelia, Do not believe his vows, for they are brokers. Not of that
dye which their investments show.”
On, the other hand, the other central character of the play, Claudius is master at deception and
conspiracy. While the illusion is that he is a just, concerned and a gentle ruler, the reality is
that he is coward and conniving. The following quote is descriptive of illusionary grief of
Claudius towards elder Hamlet’s death, “and that it us befitted/To bear our hearts in grief,
and our whole kingdom/To be contracted in one brow of woe.” (Shakespeare). However, in
reality, he is the one murdering his brother elder Hamlet. Further, Claudius is known to fake

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his love for his nephew, by referring himself as a fatherly figure to him, while in reality, he
has his plans ready to execute Hamlet. The quote “It is most retrograde to our desire/And we
do beseech you, bend you to remain/Here in the cheer and comfort of our eye” depicts the
fake love.
Other major characters in the play that are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are the childhood
friends of Hamlet and initially appear to be loyal to him which is again an illusion. The
reality is that they are more towards King Claudius. The following quote in the play reveals
Hamlet mocking on his enemies in the veil of being friends, “Sblood, do you think I am
easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret
me, yet you cannot play upon me.” (Burnett et al.). Further to state Hamlet stages his madness
which is an illusion. The reality is that he tries to gather evidence against Claudius. His
revealing of the plan to Horatio depicts the theme of illusion vs. reality. The quote “…Or 'If
we list to speak'; or 'There be, and if they might'; Or such ambiguous giving out, to note That
you know aught of me: this is not to do, So grace and mercy at your most need help you,”
(Shakespeare) describes the theme.
Thus, it can be stated that the play involves the characters presenting themselves as someone
else, while in reality, they possess altogether different virtues.

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Works cited
Burnett, Mark Thornton et al. The Edinburgh Companion To Shakespeare And The Arts.
Edinburgh University Press, 2011.
Shakespeare, William. "SCENE III. A Room In Polonius' House.". Shakespeare.Mit.Edu,
2019, http://shakespeare.mit.edu/hamlet/hamlet.1.3.html.
Shakespeare, William. "ACT I, SCENE II A Room Of State In The Castle.".
Ccat.Sas.Upenn.Edu, 2019,
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/gopher/text/earlymodern/shakespeare/tragedy/Hamlet/
Hamlet_ACT_I_SCENE_II.
Shakespeare, William. "Deception In Shakespeare's Hamlet". Shakespeare-Online.Com,
2019, http://www.shakespeare-online.com/playanalysis/deceptioninhamlet.html.

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