Hamlet Spying And Deception :: essays research papers

Who&8217s there? (1,I,1), is the chess opening line of William Shakespe ar&8217s play Hamlet, a questionasked by a soldier on guard duty. A sentinel starting his midnight push normally expects torelieve his fellow sentry as usual provided he still wonders and challenges the identity of his fellowsentry, because he wonders if it may be some one undercover work. The question displays that there is aneed to assure that one is not being deceived. Spying and lie introduce the play and concern to dominate the play, contributing to a major theme of Hamlet. The theme of&8216 mien versus reality is developed through the deception and spying in the play.The tone of deception is initiated by Hamlet&8217s uncle, Claudius, now, the bestial King ofDenmark. Claudius&8217 murderous actions are fall aparted by Old Hamlet&8217s ghost. The visitationsexplain the background to Denmark&8217s deception. &8220The serpent that did sting thy father&8217slife/Now wears his crown (1,V,39-40). The basic speech by Claudius is well organized and isclever enough to moderate his deadly sin which was committed through ambition and possibly appetiteAy, that incestuous, that adulterate beast.With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts-A witched wit, and gifts that have the powerSo to seduce - won to his shameful lustThe will of my most seeming-virtuous queen. (1,V,42-46)On more than one occasion Claudius sends Rosencrants and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet. Although they are suppose to be Hamlet&8217s schoolmates, Claudius uses them as pawns in hisattempt to reveal what Hamlet is doing. Claudius gets Rosencrants and Guildenstern toaccompany Hamlet on his way to be killed. Although Claudius states that he loves Hamlet, hearranges for Hamlet to be killed in England. When his original plan is unsuccessful, he schemesa trap for Hamlet to fall into. The guilt from Claudius&8217 deception and spying eventually buildsup on himO &8216tis too true.How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscienceThe harlot&8217s cheek, beautied with plast&8217 face pack art,Is not more ugly to the thing that helps itThan is my deed to my most assorted word.O heavy burden(3,I,49-53)Claudius obtains the crown by corruption and in doing so he is the beginning of the eventualtragedy.Polonius has many deceptive roles in the play, as well as some warnings concerning thisdeceit. At first he warns Laertes, who is on his way to school, to trust no one. &8220Neither aborrower nor a lender be,/ For loan oft loses both itself and friend,/And borrowing dulls the edgeof husbandry. (1,III,75-77). He then warns Ophelia, his daughter, of the trickery Hamlet plays