A Focus on King Claudius in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet”

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an american proverb that has been around since the 1900's, suggesting that one should never form an opinion based on outward appearances alone. Yet before this phrase existed in writing, this concept was found many times in literature. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, king Claudius states about his son and nephew that " He's loved of the distracted multitude,/ Who like not in their judgement, but their eyes," (iv.iii.4-5). This quotation can be interpreted from two points of view, that of King Claudius, and that of Shakespeare himself, yet it is also seen excessively in our society today.

King Claudius speaks out of jealousy. His quote suggests that the public is not thinking clearly, they only love Hamlet because they judge on appearance rather than reason. By creating the perception that Hamlet is crazy, the King is deflecting the attention from himself, the true traitor, in order to avoid being exposed for the murder of his brother. However, I believe that out of context, Shakespeare has chosen to make a statement about human nature, about the fact that most of us risk judging a person based on looks, when the surface can be deceptive. We all have superficial outer casts that do not represent who we are individually.

The mass media plays a significant role in the shaping of perceptions on a variety of important issues through valid information, and more often than not, through interpretations. Celebrities have the facilities to look close to the ideal, and are even more glamorized by the media. Everything we see in magazines, on TV, in movies, makes us want to follow the trends, to be closer to the ideal as well. However, this is only the view of the celebrities outer casts, as the we usually know almost nothing about their personalities or character.

Order custom essay A Focus on King Claudius in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet” with free plagiarism report

450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery

Get Essay Help

As a competitive dancer for 6 years now, I am constantly surrounded by people who are only focused on their appearances. I was a stranger to most of the dancers, because I did not have anything (trophies, special jackets or titles) to show that I was a good dancer. Last year, when I started winning everywhere I went, something changed. To me, the trophies I received were not as valuable to me as the recognition I was getting for my art, however, the people around me, especially at school, started noticing my material gains and suddenly wanted to be my friend. I went, in one year, from a nobody to a somebody, and for a while it was exhilarating. However I soon figured out that these people had no idea who I was as a person, and had no interest in knowing.

Shakespeare wrote in the renaissance, a time period that was central to outward impressions: beautiful dresses, glamorous hairstyles, huge parties..etc. Even though in Hamlet's context the words mean something slightly different, Shakespeare is communicating that even during his time, like our society today, appearances are everything to the one judging you.

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

Check my essay Hire Writer