Topic > Deception and Deceit in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Deception and Deceit in Hamlet Deceit and deceit are two devices that are demonstrated frequently throughout Hamlet's universe. First, Claudius, King Hamlet's brother, kills King Hamlet to steal the throne of Denmark. Claudius deceived the entire kingdom and deceived young Hamlet and his mother. Claudius kills the late King Hamlet by pouring poison into his ear while he slept in the castle's orchard. Claudius continues to lie to everyone about his true actions, claims the throne of Denmark, and marries Gertrude, the widow of the late king and mother of young Hamlet. The new king of Denmark realizes his mistakes, but cannot feel pain for the atrocities committed. Claudio attempts to talk to God and correct his mistakes, but he realizes how much he loves his new life and everything he gained after killing his brother. Claudio is alone when he decides to talk to God and confess his sins; decides to pray out loud. The new king proclaims that “My guilt is past. But oh, what form of prayer can serve my turn: "Forgive me my disgusting murder?" This cannot be, since I still possess those effects for which I committed the murder: my crown, my ambition, and my queen” (Shakespeare 188). This shows that Claudius has no real feelings of guilt, or remorse, for his actions against his late brother. Claudius believes that he killed his brother out of his own ambition and that he has rightfully earned the crown and everything he has gained through his brother's death. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay At the same time, Claudius hatches a plan to send young Hamlet to die in England. As Claudius gathers the spoils of his newfound position on the throne, he realizes that Hamlet could become a direct threat to his livelihood. The new king slowly realizes that Hamlet is no longer lovesick and is beginning to find mental clarity. Young Hamlet also learned what Claudius did with the completion of the play, where Claudius was visibly upset during the re-enactment of the murder of the late King of Denmark. Claudius decides to protect himself by sending Hamlet to die in England. Once again, Hamlet is the victim of Claudius' deception; he is completely and utterly unaware that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, young Hamlet's childhood friends, carry with them the letter ordering his own execution. Finally, Hamlet, deceiving Claudius and deceiving the king of England, finds and rewrites his own execution letter, which now instructs the executioner to put Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to death. During the voyage to England Hamlet's ship was attacked by pirates who were kind to him and took him back to Denmark. Hamlet managed to deceive Claudius by finding the letter calling for his execution and rewriting it so that it called for the execution of those carrying the letter. Hamlet then goes on to tell Horatio that he feels no remorse for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who betrayed him and followed Claudius' orders. Additionally, we see the theme of deception mixed with madness. Because Hamlet found a way to insult Polonius indirectly with his words and actions and with a possible act of exaggerated stupidity. While he may be crazy, he is intelligent and aware of Polonious' evil intentions. Within the quote we see Hamlet's confidence in bringing attention to the fact that he knows Polonius' intentions. Hamlet also wants Guildenstern to know that even though he may be mad at times, he always knows what is going on. We see the theme of uncertainty and lack of action, the two friends admit to their orders,.