arance versus reality theme, by the fact that appears to be kind and gentle, but in actual fact he is using his kindness and gentleness as a mask to cover up the malicious murder that he so violently committed. Claudius through out the play feels guilt for action, and thus tries to repent for his sin in, Act 3 Sc3 Line 54 by praying. In his prayer he says, My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer can serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder? Try what repentance can In this scene Claudius is not clear on what to feel. He struggles to get out his prayer, because he is unsure that he will be forgiven. He wants to repent for his sin, but he knows that he cant because he is not truly sorry. In Act 3 Sc 3 Line 57 Claudius list some reasons why he can ask for forgiveness. He says Of those effects for which I did the murder- my crown, mine own ambition, and my queen. Claudius realizes that his outside wants to seek forgiveness but his inside can not give up the positions that gained. Claudius thus realizes that he has to separate his own deceptive illusion from of true feelings.The women in Hamlet exemplify the theme of Appearance versus Realty as well. Ophelia and Gertrude display deceptive illusions to hide the corruptions of their lives. Ophelia shields her love for Hamlet in the beginning of the play, but eventually is forced to throw herself to Hamlet, at her fathers request. Ophelia pretends to be in love with Hamlet, so her father can prove to the king and queen that Hamlets madness comes from his love for Ophelia. Hamlet senses that Ophelia love is not genuine, and therefore treats her with disgust. He assaults Ophelia with words, and also with his actions, which included killing her father. In Act 3 Sc 1 Line 140, Hamlet begins displaying acts of cruelty towards Ophelia, by using malicious sarcasm. He tells her to Go thy ways to a nunnery. Where your father Let the doors be shut upon him, that he may play fool nowhere but ins ow...
