Hamlet supports a large array of themes, but I feel that the most prominent theme, by far, must be that of Appearance vs Reality. Shakespeare’s work, very much open to interpretation of the individual reader, makes the question of the central theme one that proves difficult to choose but simple to support no matter the decision. The play, filled with problems and questions answered with yeses or noes or anywhere inbetween, creates a large area for discussion and person identification.
Whether the reader supports the theme of Women, Poison and Corruption, or any of the other themes said to be present in the play it proves fairly simple to build a case to support it. With all that, I have decided to support the stance of viewing Appearance vs Reality as the central theme as I feel it seems the most logical and the most widely supported theme throughout the work. Overall, the theme of Appearance vs reality proves to be the best fitting central theme throughout the story because it encompasses other smaller themes, such as Madness vs Sanity and Justice and Revenge, and it is the most widely supported theme as a whole.
To begin, the theme of Appearance vs Reality can in fact encompass many of the other supposed major themes throughout the play such as those of Justice and Revenge and Madness vs Sanity. The theme can be seen in nearly every element of the play,such as in the ghost, in the actions of Hamlet, in the possibility of justice, and even in cause of Hamlet’s grief. The wishy-washy character of Hamlet himself as well as the interpretations made about Shakespeare’s work shape this theme. The ever present theme of Appearance vs Reality presents itself through Hamlet’s quote to his mother Seems, madam! nay, it is; I know not “seems. “” (Ham. 1. 2. 76). This statement from Hamlet shows that he places an emphasis on what truly happens than simply what appears to and gives a good summary for how to evaluate the rest of the story.
Another major place where the theme appears in the story shows through the worries of King Claudius seen in the following quote, “The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England; For like the hectic in my blood he rages, And thou must cure me: till I know ’tis done,”(Ham. 4. 3. 6-68). This quote shows how the king views Hamlet as a threat and despite appearing to have a concern for the country his real concern occupies only himself. Both of these quotes are only a small part of how Appearance vs Reality represents the central theme and the theme continues to reap support from many other examples. Further, the theme of Appearance vs Reality concisely wraps up the theme of Justice and Revenge in the sense that when it often appears that Hamlet nears his revenge it is not always as it seems.
For example Hamlet, after speaking to the ghost, says, “Haste me to know’t; that I, with wings as swift As meditation or the thoughts of love, may sweep to my revenge. ” (Ham. 1. 5. 29-31). Hamlet’s words there show his determination to seek revenge immediately after speaking with he ghost and makes it appear he plans to go and attack, when in reality he overthinks and takes no action. Hamlet at several different points in the work is dead-set on getting his revenge and seeking justice for his late father, however his plans consistently seem not to get carried out.
More than once, just when it appears Hamlet intends to follow through with the plans of revenge he manages to convince himself to wait for one reason or another. For example, this shows when he plans to stab his uncle after the play but then he explains, “Now might I do it pat, now he is praying; And now I’ll do’t: and so he goes to heaven: And so am I revenged. ” (Ham 3. 3. 74-76). This provides an example of an excuse made by Hamlet in what appeared as his moment of revenge, but in reality ended up being just another failure.
The quotes mentioned above summarize how Appearance vs Reality includes the smaller element of Justice and Revenge shown in the story. Additionally, some people argue that the central theme is in fact, Madness vs Sanity. This theme shows clearly throughout the work, however I feel that it also can be summed up by classifying the work under Appearance vs Reality. To simplify, a question throughout the work presents itself as to if whether Hamlet appears mad or if he really has lost it.
One compelling conviction suggesting that Hamlet has truly gone mad Ophelia supports when she says, “O, what a nobel mind is here o’erthrown! ” (Ham. 3. 1. 152). Ophelia’s apparent doubt in Hamlet’s sanity provides a compelling argument towards his true madness as she was his girlfriend critics have thought that she, of all people, should know him well enough to tell if he has lost it as it seems. The doubt of Ophelia further blurs the reality of whether or not Hamlet has truly become mad.
To counter the argument of Hamlet’s insanity, however, would be that ability of Hamlet to formulate a plan so far on in the story. Some critics argue that Hamlet must only appear mad if he manages to get himself back to Denmark after being sent to England as no mad person would successfully negotiate with pirates in such a situation. To conclude, the theme of Madness vs Sanity provides just a smaller part of the bigger picture of Appearance vs Reality. Furthermore, the story best supports Appearance vs Reality more than any of the other possible themes.
Appearance vs Reality succeeds over the themes of Justice and Revenge and Madness vs Sanity because they, as previously stated, provide smaller elements of the bigger picture. Many other themes provide possible central themes in the story, such as Poison and Corruption, Rights and Duties of Kingship, Destiny and Purpose of Life, and Women. While these elements that occur at times in the story not much evidence supports them as the central theme. For example, despite the fact the actions of Ophelia and
Gertrude show the role of women in that time period they do not hold enough importance in the story to be considered in such a major way. To summarize, despite there being many elements in the story to support the possible themes as being important Appearance vs Reality has the most support and reins superior over the others. Finally, the theme of Appearance vs Reality is shown to be the most important by looking at the many supporting elements and the encompassing of smaller themes to produce a bigger picture.
Appearance vs Reality provides the most logical answer to the question of the central theme in Hamlet as it shows in nearly every aspect of the story. Hamlet, classified a problem play filled with uncertainty in unanswered questions, leaves the reader to question if all is as it appears to be at any given moment. In brief, the yeses, noes, and maybes throughout the play make up a theme of Appearance vs Reality and leaves many questions open to interpretation of the reader allowing for varying views and opinions.