Appearance vs reality in Hamlet Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, in which the young prince of Denmark must discover the truth about his father's death. Hamlet is a play that tells the story of a young prince whose father has recently died. Hamlet's uncle Claudius marries his mother, the queen, and takes the throne. As the play is told, Hamlet discovers that his father has been murdered by the recently crowned king. The theme that remains constant throughout the work is appearance versus reality. Things within the work seem true and honest but in reality they are infested with evil. Many of the characters in the play hide behind a mask of falsehood. Four of the main characters who hide behind this mask are Polonius, Rosencrantz (Guildenstern), this shows his lack of trust towards anyone, gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he lies about the trust placed in his son by sending a spy to monitor him. The advice he gives to his son is repeated and said only to give the appearance of a loving father. Polonius further adds to the theme of appearance versus reality by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. He lies to her, telling her that Hamlet doesn't love her, he only desires her, in truth he loves her: Yes, he jumps to catch the woodcocks. I know, when the blood burns, how prodigal the soul is. Throughout the play Polonius hides behind his mask appearing as an honest and loving parent. In reality Polonius lies, manipulates people and eavesdrops on people's conversations. Polonius helps contribute to the theme of appearance versus reality by showing how his appearance is not his true nature, behind the mask someone totally hides. This increases the difficulty of discovering the truth for Hamlet later. Hamlet enters the council room and talks to Claudius. The king (Claudio) talks to Hamlet who seems to be worried about Hamlet. He gives advice that excessive grieving is unhealthy, this shows a concern for Hamlet's well-being. This behavior of Claudio gives him the impression of being kind in the face of the advice that accepts him even more for his family values: How is it possible that the clouds are still weighing on you? Act I Claudius seems to be even more caring when insulted by Hamlet, he still shows love and general care for Hamlet. A normal king would have been angry and Hamlet would have gotten into trouble. Claudius shows the council that he understands Hamlet's grief for his father: a little more than kin and less than kind. Act I. Claudius advises Hamlet that excessive mourning can be harmful and unhealthy. Claudius tells Hamlet that he is an admirable person for suffering so long over his father's death. Once again Claudio continues to assume the appearance of the honorable