Reality vs. Appearance - Hamlet

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 …

…characters all reveal different faces of reality and appearances. They all share a different kind of mask, which attempts to provide their inner-selves with protection. From Claudius looking to convince everyone of his kindness, while inside he is dangerous; to the females wanting their own perfect world, and finally to Hamlet and his madness of inner-self masking and uncertainty. The theme in "Hamlet" is the basis for the actions of the characters appearances becoming reality.