Deception In Macbeth

Society encourages individuals to present the best publically and hide one’s true nature. In literature, characters portray themselves in one form, but through asides and soliloquies the audience receives the privilege of witnessing the true character unveil itself. The characters conceal their true nature because the suppression aids in achieving their goal. The reasoning behind one’s concealment reveals the nature of the character. In Hamlet, the selfless submit to secrecy for the sake of others. On the contrary, the manipulative embrace secrecy to enhance their success and eliminate any obstacles. Unfortunately, people, blind to the truth, misunderstand the selfless and trust the manipulative; consequently, when the truth unveils the results

The well known and overused saying don’t just a book by its cover relates to Hamlet. He portrays a cruel and bitter character and many people consider him “mad”. Even Ophelia, the love of his life, questions his actions and character, saying, “I do not know, but truly I do fear it” (Shakespeare 39). Claudius, his step father, tells Hamlet to move past the grief, which he agrees to do. He also seems like he respects his mother, Gertrude, for example, she wants to meet with him and he accepts without hesitation. He is more than willing to obey and respect his mother. Then in the company of Ophelia he denounces his love for her reassuring her he does not love her. Lastly, he comments on women’s inability to remain faithful by comparing a short prologue to their love. Despite these unsavory incidents, Hamlet contains a genuine and caring nature. Shakespeare provides enlightenment on his true nature through his soliloquies and asides because it is only

In Hamlet, Shakespeare develops Hamlet with his true nature hidden in his private life. He, then, creates Claudius, a character with his true nature in his public life. Privately, Claudius repents, “forgive me my foul murder” (Shakespeare 89); however, he also realizes “I’m still reaping the rewards of that murder: my crown and my queen” (Shakespeare 90). An environment with constant public scrutiny births a deeper hunger for aggressiveness and a sense of entitlement as well as providing the opportunity to act on impulses for sex and domination (LaBier). This explains Claudius’ actions because he plays a role in the royal family; however, his brother receives the position as King and gains the love and affection of Gertrude. Jealous, he murders his brother and marries Gertrude, which provides his rewards. Even though he repents in private, Claudius still pursues ingenious schemes to further his success. His conversations with Laertes, where he offers his full support in murdering Hamlet, prove his true nature as the selfish