Desire In Hamlet

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Madness and desire are only some of the interpreted themes in The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (Ham.). These themes are present throughout multiple intertwining plot lines. Claudius kills Hamlet’s father, which is what Hamlet claims is the reason he wants to kill Claudius. Although, one of his main concerns is Claudius becoming king because that is another role of his father's Claudius is trying to fill. That is only part of three of the plot lines. Hamlet professes that he is at the peak of insanity so accurately, that the reader can not decipher whether he is pretending or he is actually deranged. In Hamlet, the overarching theme is appearance versus reality, which is an umbrella over other themes including madness and desire.
Shakespeare …show more content…
Polonius is Claudius’ royal assistant, who appears to be a very caring and concerned friend, while in reality he is deceiving and vindictive. He consistently shows that he is concerned with what is happening to his daughter, King Claudius, and the people of the kingdom. Polonius acts sincere towards the people of the kingdom, but only for his personal benefit. If he knows everyone else's intentions, he is able to protect himself. In Act II Polonius sends Reynaldo to Paris to give Laertes money, but to also spy on him. Polonius says to …show more content…
Laertes, who knows he is dying from the poisoned sword, reveals Claudius's treachery. The truth is finally told by someone. Angry, hamlet then stabs Claudius vengefully killing him. Hamlet, who is slowly dying is approached by a horrified Horatio who wants to kill himself. Hamlet tells him, “If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart / Absent thee from felicity a while, / And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain / To tell my story”(Ham. 5.2. 344-347). Finally, through Horatio, Hamlet will reveal Claudius's lies. Several characters in the play Hamlet betray and deceive one another in order to gain what they desire. Shakespeare used the theme of appearance versus reality to unmask and release the inner thoughts of the characters in the

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