The nature of deception and manipulation can lead to a daunting experience. Many utilize deception as desperation when they feel powerless. Meanwhile, others abuse it to gain overbearing power. Significantly in this scene, Claudius discusses the surveillance of Hamlet and manipulates others as espionages to reveal the truth about his apparent erratic behavior. Several characters in this play are also obligated in order to disperse skepticism or reveal truths. Also, other familial complications are displayed in this scene. In Act 3, Scene 1 of The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Shakespeare reveals how deception is used to achieve one’s desires. Initially, Claudius displays his methods of deception through Guildenstern and Rosencrantz.
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Using Ophelia as a method of deception provides insight on how willing they are to examine Hamlet. Ophelia is forced to be “gracious” and display “loneliness” towards Hamlet (3.1.48/52). Connotatively, these specific words display how she contrasts with other characters. The word “loneliness” can be suggested that she is the only innocent character in Hamlet. To their advantage, Claudius and Polonius are using her to gain further insight into Hamlet’s behavior. Her father is even willing to manipulate his daughter. Similarly, Gertrude and Ophelia are both passive and exhibit frail characteristics. They blindly believe their actions are justifiable because of the power they possess. Deception has become a norm in this society; some believe it is morally approved. Polonius comments how people manipulate “devotion’s visage and pious actions” to cover up “the devil himself” (3.1.53-54). Significantly, religion is brought into the discussion. He claims that people use religious actions to cover up the sins they have committed. Ironically, Claudius is similar in a way that he is covering up the murder of old King Hamlet. Religion is used as a platform for these characters to damask their deception. Also, many of them have opposed religious policies as they commit sins caused by their use of deception. Shortly after, Claudius metaphorically compares his situation with a “harlot’s cheek” being covered with “plast’ring art” (3.1.59). A harlot is a prostitute and he comments how they use makeup as a facade to attract males. He justifies his actions by stating it is not more “ugly” (3.1.60). Being a prostitute is very sacrilegious and immoral. Similarly, Claudius manipulated and deceived others to obtain the throne. Importantly, his justification portrays a feeling of guilt as he acknowledges his misdeed. Polonius’ previous comments cause him to consider his deceit. Possibly this foreshadows that
Using Ophelia as a method of deception provides insight on how willing they are to examine Hamlet. Ophelia is forced to be “gracious” and display “loneliness” towards Hamlet (3.1.48/52). Connotatively, these specific words display how she contrasts with other characters. The word “loneliness” can be suggested that she is the only innocent character in Hamlet. To their advantage, Claudius and Polonius are using her to gain further insight into Hamlet’s behavior. Her father is even willing to manipulate his daughter. Similarly, Gertrude and Ophelia are both passive and exhibit frail characteristics. They blindly believe their actions are justifiable because of the power they possess. Deception has become a norm in this society; some believe it is morally approved. Polonius comments how people manipulate “devotion’s visage and pious actions” to cover up “the devil himself” (3.1.53-54). Significantly, religion is brought into the discussion. He claims that people use religious actions to cover up the sins they have committed. Ironically, Claudius is similar in a way that he is covering up the murder of old King Hamlet. Religion is used as a platform for these characters to damask their deception. Also, many of them have opposed religious policies as they commit sins caused by their use of deception. Shortly after, Claudius metaphorically compares his situation with a “harlot’s cheek” being covered with “plast’ring art” (3.1.59). A harlot is a prostitute and he comments how they use makeup as a facade to attract males. He justifies his actions by stating it is not more “ugly” (3.1.60). Being a prostitute is very sacrilegious and immoral. Similarly, Claudius manipulated and deceived others to obtain the throne. Importantly, his justification portrays a feeling of guilt as he acknowledges his misdeed. Polonius’ previous comments cause him to consider his deceit. Possibly this foreshadows that