Wednesday, 6 January 2010

Is there an example of appearance vs. reality in act 4 of Hamlet, regarding the revenge plotline?

In ,andplot
a deceptive revenge onfor his killing of . Claudius is desperate to get rid of , knowing that
Hamlet knows that he, Claudius, killed his father. Laertes quite simply and hot-headedly wants
revenge and wants it now. Claudius uses this to his advantage.

The two plot
to arrange a sword fight between Hamlet and Laertes. Laertes will use a blade that is sharpened,
not dull (as would be normal for such a contest). Laertes will also poison the tip of his blade,
and Claudius will make sure a cup of poisoned wine is on hand in case all else fails.


This will appear to be a "ceremonial" fencing match where nobody gets hurt,
but in reality, it will function, Laertes and Claudius hope, as a way to murder
Hamlet.

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