Themes : Appearence VS Reality Flashcards
(13 cards)
Write a thesis statement for the theme of Appearance VS Reality
One of the most prominent manifestations of the theme of appearance and reality is the deceptive nature of several key characters - this permeates the play, challenging characters and audiences to discern the truth behind the facades presented by the characters.
How does Claudius epitomise this theme?
He presents a facade of benevolence and stability while concealing his treacherous act of murdering hamlet
His calculated manipulation of appearances highlights the danger of relying solely on outward impressions to judge a person’s true nature
How does Polonius display this theme?
assumes an outward persona of wisdom and parental concerns for his children
however
his true character revealed through his deceptive tactics such as eavesdropping on hamlet’s conversations
willingness to exploit appearances to achieve political goals underscores theme of deceit within court
How does hamlet portray this theme?
feigns madness to conceal his true intentions and investigations, creating facade of insanity that contrasts with his true feelings and motives
What does Hamlet’s apparent madness serve as?
a mechanism to allow his to navigate the treachery of the Danish court
hamlet feigns madness as part of his quest for vengeance, using his appearance to mislead those around him
also raises questions about the authenticity of his actions and thoughts
how is it explored through the ghost of king hamlet?
the motif of disease and corruption, symbolised by the decaying state of denmark underscores idea that appearances can conceal underlying decay
how is the play-within-a-play concept a further example of deception?
performance blurs boundaries between appearance and reality
used as a tool for revelation and manipulation
how does Ophelia’s tragic journey epitomise the impact of appearance and reality?
manipulated by others and unable to discern the real intentions around her, ophelia becomes a tragic victim of the world she inhabits
her descent into madness and eventual drowning are symbolic of the vulnerability of individuals when they cannot distinguish truth from deception
what is shakespeares intention with the appearance vs reality theme?
to warn his audience that the world is full of deceit and that people can hide their true intentions behind false appearances, which leads to tragedy and suffering
underscores destructive nature of living in a world where appearances can be profoundly misleading
fill in the quote:
Polonius: “This above all: __ ____ ___ ____ __ ____’
to thine own self be true
analyse this quote ‘Polonius: This above all: to thine own self be true’
polonius offering guidance to laertes on how to navigate world and maintain one’s integrity
he himself often deceitful, exemplifying the hypocrisy and irony in the play
contradiction underscores theme, highlighting disparity between how characters present themselves and their true natures
quote raises questions about tensions between individualism and conformity - suggests maintaining one’s individuality and integrity is of paramount importance
laetre’s adherence to these words can be contrasted with Hamlet’s struggle to find his own true self and his delay in taking action
finish the quote:
Hamlet: “seems, _____? Nay, it is. I know not ‘_____’”
Madam
seems
analyse the quote
