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Hamlet's themes of appearances vs. reality

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One of the major themes of the play might be described as "appearances vs. reality." In other words, the young prince Hamlet's discovery about his father's death has shaken the foundations of his being. He always believed that he could trust his senses and felt confident that things were what they appeared to be. Now he wonders if there is not some hidden, darker reality lurking underneath the appearances of things. In other words, Hamlet is no longer sure that he can believe his eyes, or that things are what they seem to be. In a text critique of the usual length, give some examples of things that Hamlet is no longer sure of. Quote and explain specific speeches made by Hamlet that reflect his state of mind, as well as speeches by others in Act 1 which bring this theme to the surface.

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Solution Summary

300 words of notes and textual evidence are presented to discuss briefly one of the major themes of the play in Act I in terms of "appearances vs. reality." In other words, the young prince Hamlet's discovery about his father's death is exemplified.

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Welcome warmly to BM! I offer 300 words of my notes. Please rate 5/5 accordingly.

As you briefly validate one of the major themes of the play as "appearances vs. reality," when Hamlet's discovery about his father's death shakes the foundations of his very being, some examples of things that Hamlet is no longer sure of initially assume the form of the ghost encounter. Hamlet is informed that the alleged ghost of his dead father has appeared to the palace guards. During his speeches, we learn how grief affects the young prince. When he contemplates his father's ghost, we see his the conception of Hamlet's madness as he states "My father's spirit in arms! all is not well/I doubt some foul play: would the night were come!/Till then sit still, my soul: foul deeds will rise,
Though all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes."

Hamlet faces the ghost, "Thou comest in such ...

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