In William Shakespeare s play Hamlet; a theme that remains constant throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Many things in the play appear to be true and honest when in reality they are not. Many characters in the play give the impression of being honest and sincere in their actions, but in reality they are filled with lies.

Polonius the King s assistant is one such character. He always puts on the appearance of a loving and caring person. As seen in act 1 scene 3 Polonius adds to the theme of the play by putting on the appearance of a loving father, by telling his daughter Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. He tells her that Hamlet does not love her when in reality Hamlet does love her. Throughout the play Polonius hides behind the persona of a caring and loving man. In reality he lies and manipulates people.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern also contribute to the theme by showing the appearance of being Hamlet s friends and being concerned about him. The two of them go to Hamlet pretending to be his friends when in truth they are there only because the king sent them.

Claudius the king is another character who gives a false appearance. In Act one Scene two Claudius in the presence of council speaks only kind words about the old king. In reality he cares little for the old king and speaks kindly only to give the appearance of a loving brother.

Through the characters of the play all help to show the theme of appearance versus reality. Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and the king all appear to be good and honest, while Hamlet is left to find out that all of them lie and have hidden agendas.