Deception is defined as an act of misleading or concealing the truth. It can occur in everyday life, where even the most honest people turn to deceitful ways to gain advantages and maintain their self-image. On the contrary, deceit can be utilized to protect our loved ones. As it is morally wrong, once revealed, one’s deception can have detrimental consequences as it can lead to distrust and guilt. In William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, the constant theme of deception drives the plot, which is shown through the actions of King Claudius. Claudius murders his own brother and gains the Danish throne for his personal gains demonstrating his evil intentions.
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In Shakespeare's tragedy 'Hamlet', through King Claudius’ deceitful actions and behavior, he was able to obtain power, the Crown, and Queen Gertrude through the murder of the late King Hamlet. From the start, he deceives the general Danish public by stating the late King Hamlet's death was from a snake bite in the castle’s orchard, when in fact Claudius executed the King by pouring poison into his ear while he slept in the castle’s orchard. Additionally, Claudius puts up an act, pretending he’s grieving while addressing the Danish court to help justify his swift marriage to Queen Gertrude, the late King’s Hamlet wife. Claudius asserts: “Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death/ The memory be green, and that it us befitted/ To bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom” (Act 1, Scene 2, lines 1-3). He uses it as a strategy to protect himself and prevent any suspicions or skepticism that may result from his sudden takeover of the Crown. He only wants to protect himself from being prosecuted for his crime of killing the late King. However, the appearance of the ghost of King Hamlet informs Hamlet and the audience about the truth surrounding the king’s death. Eventually, his heinous crimes start to catch up to him as he begins to become guilt-ridden during Hamlet’s play. He rushes out to the room alone, kneels, and asks God for forgiveness. His prayers aren’t sincere as he still reaps possession such as the throne and Gertrude. Shortly after, in an irrational rage, Hamlet kills Polonius, a noble, thinking he was Claudius. Claudius believes Hamlet is unstable and a threat to his throne. As a solution, he gives the impression that he’s sending Hamlet away to England for his own safety, but in fact, orders his assassination. Meanwhile, Polonius’ son Laertes returns enraged and ready for revenge. Claudius manipulates him and plots to kill Hamlet through a fencing match with a poisoned sword and wine. His plan fails and ultimately results in the death of others. Gertrude dies from drinking the poisoned wine, Laertes is pierced by the poisoned blade, and Claudius himself is killed by Hamlet. Claudius’ deceptions are solely responsible for his own downfall.
The recurring theme of deception in William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' is displayed by King Claudius' deeds. Claudius is only concerned about his own interest, killing his own brother for power and the Queen. He deceives everyone by being selfish, even if it’s corrupt and immoral. Keeping his secrets hidden left a huge burden on his shoulders. Regardless of the intention, when one’s deceitful act is uncovered, it can only lead to destruction, damaged relationships, and even lives lost. It consumes and becomes the main focus of one’s life. Deceit only does more harm than good, and oftentimes it is just better to come clean before it starts to ruin one’s life.
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