Deception is an essential element of Shakespearean plays. Deception often can become the very foundation of a play, as in the case of Hamlet. It is used as a tool by most of the characters to manipulate the truth and to keep it from being known to others. Deception can be utilized in two ways. Deception with noble intent is the concept of deceiving for the betterment of other people. On the contrary, deception with malicious intent are the acts for one’s own satisfaction and well-being. Shakespeare portrays this theme by using lead characters such as Hamlet, King Claudius and Polonius who demonstrate malicious deception. Furthermore deception is portrayed in three major forms: the fear of being deceived, the act of deceiving others, and the result of being deceived.
Deception is one of the key factors of the deaths of many characters in Hamlet. In the beginning of the play, Claudius is introduced on stage with his conflicting feelings of grief and joy. He successfully misleads members of the court so he can avoid any skepticism that may occur from his sudden
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Hamlet does this for a special purpose as mentioned by D.J. Snider. This special purpose is to deceive everyone in the court to discover the secrets of the new King, Claudius. This purpose of feigning madness in order to discover the court was also fueled by Polonius. He was very sharp scented and an astute man. However previously, Hamlet was known to be a man who did not tolerate deception and deceit. Therefore for Hamlet to deceive Polonius, he had to reverse his own reputation and nature. If Hamlet had not feigned his own madness, King Claudius would surely have noticed that he had some knowledge of his murder. Hamlet used madness as a mask to protect him from Claudius’ fury, despite knowing the real cause of his father’s