Deception In Shakespeare's Hamlet And Politics

Politics are a common discussion at the dinner table—and often instigates an argument. Conversing about the most recent election is a common topic almost sure to divides families, especially on the touchy subject of American government. A great Thanksgiving feast is sure to be ruined when a relative boast their candidate won. William Shakespeare must have contended with his family over politics as well when he wrote Hamlet, as the characters and plot reflect conflicting family relations. At the same time, the play addresses the issue of authority figures acting corruptly in the royal court. William Shakespeare demonstrates how deception in relationships can lead to distrust, the downfall of sanity, and the destruction of a political system …show more content…
As Hamlet confesses his love to Ophelia, he almost immediately denounces women in the same thought with “You jig and amble, and you lisp; you nickname God’s creatures and make your wantonness your ignorance” (III.i. 136-137). This attitude is contradicting because Hamlet feels women manipulate men’s emotions, even though he professed his love for her. The “antic disposition”, crippling Hamlet’s emotional health is the cause for his outburst; and, interesting Claudius is the character who drives him to act in such vulgar ways (I.v 171). Claudius is proven to be the cause of the madness when Claudius investigates the truth behind Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship status. Claudius cannot prove Hamlet is truly insane, and even makes Hamlet act out more than before. Hamlet’s faux insanity transforms into a true mental disorder. The actions from Claudius strengthens his deceptive characterization because Shakespeare implies Claudius is afraid he will be taken out of power, and the only way he can remain king by the removal of Hamlet. Again, the causes for the insanity circle back around to the opening scene of the play where Claudius illegitimacy in his rise to the throne ruins the