In his novel Hamlet, William Shakespeare depicts the character of Claudius and how he uses deception mainly to keep his power and protect himself from getting caught. This illustrates how selfishness can ruin your life and lead to betrayal, ultimately contributing to the play’s themes of revenge and deception. In Hamlet, deception plays a huge role in shaping the narrative and makes the play a lot more complex. Claudius, the antagonist, is a very sneaky and deceptive man, using manipulation and lies to maintain the throne after stealing it and murdering his brother, King Hamlet. His deception was for political power, to keep the secret of his brother's murder, and to influence Denmark. This not only highlights his morals disappearing but also serves to reflect the broader …show more content…
After stealing the throne, he must convince the court of his legitimacy. He states, “But now, my lord, I must confess, / I am too much in the world.” This line reveals his awareness of the ability to lose his position; he is very aware that his hold on power is dependent on the careful management of his public persona. By showing remorse and presenting himself as a kind and caring ruler, Claudius manipulates the perceptions of those around him, effectively removing the thought of him being a murderer from everyone's minds. Moreover, Claudius’s deception and lies extend to his relationships, particularly with Hamlet. He attempts to disguise his treachery by offering Hamlet comfort and guidance, declaring, “I loved you once.” This statement, while meant to comfort, is laced with a stab; it serves to knock Hamlet off his trail and keep him from discovering the truth of his father’s murder. Claudius's two-faced acts here not only highlight his manipulative nature, but also set the stage for the tragic events that unfold as Hamlet struggles with his own need for revenge and need to know what truly happened to his