The Role of Escapism in Order to Deal with Demands Shakespeare’s Hamlet, dives into a world of corruption, murder and plotting, allowing readers to gain insight into the true nature of man. The famed play introduces some of literature’s most memorable characters such as Hamlet and Ophelia, two scorned lovers, at a crossroads, as each faces a moral dilemma. Upon analysis of the text it is evident that each character uses different techniques in order to preserve themselves, and cope with the hardships they face, and demands from their fathers. And upon comparing and contrasting, it is clear that there is definitive similarities and differences that can be made between Hamlet and Ophelia. In the first act of the play the Ghost is introduced, the ghost being the former King of Denmark, and Hamlet’s father. Noticed by Hamlet and his friends, Horatio and Marcellus, the Ghost calls for Hamlet to follow him into the forest to speak. Throughout Act I it is clear Hamlet is still mourning …show more content…
This can be evident with exchanges specifically between Polonius, the father of Ophelia. In one exchange with the King’s Advisor, Hamlet refers to Polonius as a “fishmonger”, an insulting name referring to one as a pimp. This technique by Hamlet is used as it allows Hamlet to truly voice his opinions, yet since people think that Hamlet is insane, they disregard what he is saying and pass it off as insanity. Hamlet’s use of this technique is quite clever actually. Due to the stress and pressure he is feeling, he constantly feels the need to lash out, yet without his “antic disposition” it would be far more worrisome to the king. Therefore, Hamlet’s use of insanity serves a double purpose- deceive the king, and allow him to lash out without