...John Doe English 2 H April 1, 2015 Hamlet Theme Essay The themes of Appearance vs. Reality are very prominent in the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Throught the story many characters act in a deceitful manner in an attempt to seem like an innocent pawn in the game of life, when in reality they are the most corrupt characters in the play. Polonius an excellent example of appearance vs. reality. Throught the story Polonius seems to be a loyal servant to the kingdom, serving the previous and current king as a personal adviser. To the average citizen in the kingdom Polonius seems to be just as loyal of an adviser to King Claudius, but Hamlet exposes Polonius to be a deceitful man, who by supporting the new king has betrayed his previous ruler and the honor of the kingdom. Hamlet's mother Gertrude can also be used as an example of appearance vs. reality. To the people of the kingdom Gertrude appears to be an honest woman who remarried because of her love for Claudius, but in reality she remarried solely to stay in power and continue her luxurious life as a queen. Hamlet himself is also an ideal example of appearance vs reality, because of his constant act of insanity which causes him to appear mad when in reality he is perfectly sane and simply acting to benefit himself. Polonius a textbook example of appearance vs. reality. Almost immediately after the death of Hamlet’s father, Polonius readily accepts Claudius as his new ruler which is seen as a betrayal to the previous...
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...????????? What is conflict? Is it a miscommunication between two parties? Is it a clash of interests? Is it a need for revenge? To a literary person, conflict is what gives a piece of writing depth and makes it something to remember. In fact, it is the very concept that makes Hamlet stand out from other pieces of literature. The intense struggle between the two main characters make it one of Shakespeare’s most well-known pieces of writing. From beginning to end, two characters have the power to create, mould and exemplify countless themes throughout Hamlet. The fierce conflict between Claudius and Hamlet is essential to develop the action and inaction, revenge, the impossibility of certainty and appearance vs. reality themes. The contrast between action and inaction is emphasized between Claudius and Hamlet due to the conflict between these two characters. To begin, Claudius sends Hamlet to an almost certain death immediately after he suspects Hamlet’s knowledge of his father’s murder. Quickly, he confides in Rosencratz and Guildenstern that, “[Claudius likes Hamlet] not, nor stands it safe with [everyone] / [t]o let his madness range” (III.iii.1-2), and demands, “therefore prepare you. I your commission will forthwith dispatch / [a]nd he to England shall along with you” (III.iii.3-4). It seems Claudius proceeds impulsively, however his calculated and rapid actions are the key to the development of the theme of action. Claudius smoothly uses “[Hamlet’s] madness”...
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...Plot Overview A ghost resembling the recently deceased King of Denmark stalks the ramparts of Elsinore, the royal castle. Terrified guardsmen convince a skeptical nobleman, Horatio, to watch with them. When he sees the ghost, he decides they should tell Hamlet, the dead King's son. Hamlet is also the nephew of the present King, Claudius, who not only assumed his dead brother's crown but also married his widow, Gertrude. Claudius seems an able King, easily handling the threat of the Norwegian Prince Fortinbras. But Hamlet is furious about Gertrude's marriage to Claudius. Hamlet meets the ghost, which claims to be the spirit of his father, murdered by Claudius. Hamlet quickly accepts the ghost's command to seek revenge. Yet Hamlet is uncertain if what the ghost said is true. He delays his revenge and begins to act half-mad, contemplate suicide, and becomes furious at all women. The Lord Chamberlain, Polonius, concludes that Hamlet's behavior comes from lovesickness for Ophelia, Polonius's daughter. Claudius and Gertrude summon two of Hamlet's old friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to find out what's wrong with him. As Polonius develops a plot to spy on a meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia, Hamlet develops a plot of his own: to have a recently arrived troupe of actors put on a play that resembles Claudius's alleged murder of Old Hamlet, and watch Claudius's reaction. Polonius and Claudius spy on the meeting between Ophelia and Hamlet, during which Hamlet flies into a rage against...
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...In “The Scarlet Ibis”, written by James Hurst, and “The Cask of Amontillado”, written by Edgar Allan Poe, the characters in both works are the theme of Appearance versus Reality. The authors use Appearance versus Reality by revealing the cruel intentions of Montresor and the reality of how Doodle learned to walk. Both “The Scarlet Ibis” and “The Cask of Amontillado” are influenced by Appearance versus Reality as the plot progresses in both of these stories. The process of maturation in Doodle and Brother demonstrate the theme of Appearance versus Reality in “The Scarlet Ibis”. When Doodle was born, his family and the doctor presumed that he would not live to experience a full life. Even his own mother did not think that he would remain...
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...introduction to short stories what is a short story? - focuses on one event and has a limited number of characters - depend on the following literary elements theme, setting, character,plot setting - the time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting a) place- where is the action of the story taking place? b) time- when is the story taking place? c) weather conditions- is it rainy, sunny, stormy,etc? d) social conditions- what is the daily life of the characters like? e) mood or atmosphere- what feeling is created at the beginning of the story? is it bright and happy or dark and scary? characters -there are two types of main characters that one present in a short story: theme -a theme is the central message or purpose of the short story -examples: a) believe in yourself b) people are afraid of change plot -plot is the literary element that describes the structure of a story 1. introduction 2. rising action 3. climax 4. falling action 5. conclusion introduction - the start of the story - the situation before the action stats rising action - where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is revealed climax - the most intense moment - the highest point of interest -the reader wonders what will happen next- will the conflict be resolved or not? falling action - all of the action which follows the climax - the events and complications begin to resolve...
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...of the characters who interacts closely with the protagonist or other characters (using pronouns I, me, we, etc). 1. Second person: The second-person point of view is commonly used in step-by-step instructions--that is, in a directive process analysis that explains how to do or make something. Here are three examples you, your, and yours to address a reader or listener directly. 3 . Third Person- Omniscient- The author can narrate the story using the omniscient point of view. a) Omniscient Limited - The author tells the story in third person (using pronouns they, she, he, it, etc). We know only what the character knows and what the author allows him/her to tell us. 2 SETTING -- The time and location in which a story takes place is called the setting. a) place - geographical location. Where is the action of the story taking place? b) time - When is the story taking place? (historical period, time of day, year, etc) c) weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy, etc? d) social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local colour (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)? e) mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story? Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening? 3 CONFLICT-- Conflict is essential to plot. Without conflict there is no plot. There are two types of conflict: . 1) Internal – Man vs Himself...
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...works is A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Throughout this play William Shakespeare is trying to make the distinction between appearances versus reality. Using the concepts of love, a play-within-a-play, and dreams Shakespeare is able to make the distinction between the two. This essay will examine each concept and explain its importance in distinguishing between how things look versus what they actually are. Love is a major theme throughout the story. There are many different types of love between the different characters. First, there is noble love between Theseus and Hippolyta. Next is true love, which is shared between Lysander and Hermia. Also, Oberon and Titania share a magical love because both are fairies. Shakespeare confuses reality by including fairies in this story. The fairies can interact with the humans and can even fall in love with them. Another tactic used by Shakespeare is that the fairies have a magic liquid that when poured onto a persons eyelids will cause that person to fall in love with the first thing that person sees once they open their eyes. This potion is poured into many characters eyes. Shakespeare references to eyes, eyesight, and seeing numerous times throughout the play. These images serve a double purpose. It reminds the audience of the difference between how things look and what they are, (reinforcing the theme of appearance vs. reality), and that love is blind and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Shakespeare explores how people tend to fall...
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...Jenna Solomon Mrs. Ross ENG4U July 17, 2016 The Theme of Appearance vs. Reality The famous play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, is a very successful tragedy filled with love, conflict and dishonesty. A tragedy is described to be a play that is serious, and has a very sad ending, usually involving the death of the main character. This specific tragedy begins with the main character, Hamlet, feeling a great deal of sorrow from the loss of his father, and his mother’s re-marriage. Soon after these events occur, the ghost of his father explains to Hamlet that Claudius killed him. Claudius was not only Hamlet’s uncle, but also his mother’s new husband. From this point on in the play, the plot explodes with conflict. The characters conceal their true intentions, to figure out what the other characters are really thinking. Throughout the play, it is proven that one of the major themes is appearance versus reality, due to the characters Hamlet, Claudius and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hiding their own realities from the other characters. Primarily, appearance versus reality is a key theme in the tragedy, due to the illusions Hamlet creates throughout the play. At the beginning of the play, everyone thinks Hamlet is depressed over the loss of his father, King Hamlet. Though this is true, Hamlet is most upset about his mother getting re-married to his uncle Claudius. His sadness increases exceedingly when he learns Claudius is the man who killed his father. Hamlet keeps...
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...Jinal Patel Mr. Manning ENG3UO(c) 10 November 2015 Shakespeare vs. Goold Ambition can be defined as the desire and willinkgness to strive towards achievement or distinction, consequently creating a tragic hero. The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a play of denial and ambition. Driven to becoming King, Macbeth will eliminate anything in his way. He believes the prophesies of three witches, after their first prophesy comes true and therefore commits various crimes to achieve his ultimate goal. Although both Rupert Goolds movie and William Shakespeare’s play portray Macbeth as a character who is cruel and takes a part in various events that lead to his downfall, Goolds interpretation of the play while examining the setting and character development differs from Shakespeare’s original version; this allows the audience to feel less sympathy for Macbeth as it shows Macbeths true intensions to achieve his lust for the throne. The environment is a crucial aspect of one’s life. Depending where they live, ones surrounding affects their reactions and decisions. In the play, the setting clarifies the various themes and characters. The setting was on a dark, gloomy battlefield and castles inhabited by the characters in the play. This is proven when Duncan says “this castle hath a pleasant seat; the air Nimbly and sweet recommends itself Unto our gentle senses” (1.6-1-3). In this quote, Duncan is stating that the castle is...
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...Things are not always as they seem, sometimes first impressions can be deceiving. In Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, “We Wear the Mask” and Edwin Arlington Robinson’s poem “Richard Cory” the theme of appearance vs. truth is explored. These poems show how you can see someone and still not completely “see” them. They live an ironic life as their appearances differ from their reality. Everyone has a way in which they mask themselves from the world. Their hidden truth kept within a false persona. In We Wear the Mask people are described as hypocritical, deceptive and willing to appear content with their circumstances, although they are not. The speaker's world appears cold and indifferent; inducing false personas in an effort to appear unbothered. The people are determined to keep the true nature of their sufferings to themselves and to present to others happiness and lack of care, “We wear the mask that grins and lies,” (Dunbar line 1). All of the courtesy and feelings shown are just phony disguises for the painful truths that hide behind them. Furthermore, no matter what is felt one should cover it up, to allow what appears to become reality....
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...Essay ENGL 102: Literature and Composition Summer B 2012 MLA WRITING STYLE Fiction Essay Thesis and Outline Thesis: Money, class and values affect the story as well as the reader. Outline: I. Introduction-“The Destructors” by Graham Greene vs. “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence. II. Characterization a. Character Qualities/Status 1. Paul vs. T 2. Uncle vs. Blackie 3. Hester vs. Old Misery “Thomas” b. Emotions and Behaviors 1. Paul vs. T 2. Uncle vs. Blackie 3. Hester vs. Old Misery ”Thomas” III. Closing- overall effect on story and reader Character Comparison of “The Destructors” and “The Rocking-Horse Winner” In “The Destructors” by Graham Greene and “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence there are many differences and similarities. The reader sees the most emphasis placed on money, class and values. “The Destructors” takes place in Great Britain after World War I and most of the population has been taken from upper class to middle class due to the bombings. Where “The Rocking-Horse Winner” in situated in a suburban area of Baltimore, Maryland and the population is in the upper class, at least most are in appearance The characters have similarities and differences as well, take the protagonists in each story are young boys. Paul in “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is a young innocent boy that knows in his heart his mother , Hester does not love him or his two sisters but he has an over whelming...
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...William Qi English Honors 12/17/12 Block C To Kill a Mockingbird Essay How does the theme of “appearance vs. reality’ play a role in this story? Have you ever heard of the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Many people have, yet they still treat people unfairly without getting to know them. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the author is able to use the theme of appearance vs. reality to portray many characters in the book in a relationship that can give readers two different sides of a person. For the residents of Maycomb County, Boo Radley is rumored to be a malevolent phantom that mutilates animals, stalks people at night, and runs with the rebellious crowds before he was locked up in his room. Although, the children have never seen Boo Radley, Jem speculates that “Boo was about six and a half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels… that are why his hands are bloodstained… There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time (pg 16).” This description shows how misguided they are due to the outrageous myths about Boo spread around town by adults. However, as the story moves forward, more insight on the real character of Boo is revealed through various incidents. When Jem and Scout were walking home one day, Jem finally confesses what happened to his pants that night when they tried to sneak a...
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...Louis E. Kohler Critical Film Analysis 1 Fine Arts Film- Spring 2014 Order and Chaos in Jurassic Park First time watching Jurassic Park the theme that stands out most is Man vs. Nature but this is not the best fit. The true theme is almost shown straight forward during the helicopter ride to the island when Dr. Malcolm states, “John doesn't subscribe to Chaos, particularly what it has to say about his little science project!” (Koepp 19) pitting him against Hammond. These two are the most obvious players in the chaos game, but Dr. Sattler against Dr. Grant and the Tyrannosaurus Rex (T. rex) against the Velociraptors (Raptors) are also players. The other characters do not have as defined roles but still play into the game. They all have a common theme: Chaos vs. Order. Most of the main characters arrive on the island on the same helicopter. The first view inside shows Hammond, Dr. Sattler, and Dr. Grant on the right with Dr. Malcolm and Gennaro on the left. This scene shows who is on which side of the line, but Hammond’s and Dr. Malcolm’s conflict with each other is most prevalent. Hammond is wearing all white while Dr. Malcolm is, “dressed all in black” (Koepp 18) adding visual representation of the polar difference between chaos and order. Chaos and order is the root topic during the Velociraptor birth and lunch scene. Dr. Sattler and Dr. Grant debate which will win in the end but Dr. Malcolm and Hammond have already made up their minds. Chaos is thrown its first blow when...
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...to theatrical, cinematic or musical work. Fiction contrasts with non-fiction, which deals exclusively with factual (or, at least, assumed factual) events, descriptions, observations, etc. (e.g.,biographies, histories). Contents [hide] * 1 Types of fiction * 1.1 Realistic fiction * 1.2 Non-realistic fiction * 1.3 Semi-Fiction * 2 Elements of fiction * 2.1 Plot * 2.2 Exposition * 2.3 Foreshadowing * 2.4 Rising action * 2.5 Climax * 2.6 Falling action * 2.7 Resolution * 2.8 Conflict * 2.8.1 Types of conflict * 2.8.1.1 Person vs. self * 2.8.1.2 Person vs. person * 2.8.1.3 Person vs. society * 2.8.1.4 Person vs. nature * 2.8.1.5 Person vs. supernatural * 2.8.1.6 Person vs. machine/technology * 2.9 Character * 2.10 Methods of developing characters * 2.11 Symbolism * 2.12 Metaphor * 3 Types of plots * 3.1 Chronological order * 3.2 Flashback * 3.3 Setting * 3.4 Theme * 3.5 Style * 4 Categories * 5 Forms of fiction * 6 Uses of fiction * 7 See also * 8 Notes * 8.1 Footnotes * 8.2 Citations * 9 External links | ------------------------------------------------- [edit]Types of fiction [edit]Realistic fiction Realistic fiction, although untrue, could actually happen. Some events, the people, and the places...
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...Appearance vs. Reality Moliere’s Tartuffe is a play whose message is of religious hypocrisy however; it also deals with disguise and appearance versus reality. Within this play, Moliere created a character, Tartuffe, who claims to be a man of the cloth. In reality, he is a con man. Tartuffe hides behind his so-called piety and uses this mask to conceal what he truly desires; money and power. Moliere makes Tartuffe transparent enough so that the audience (and the rest of the cast) can easily see through his shenanigans. Nevertheless, the protagonist, Orgon, cannot see through the false appearance. One source that I read suggested that Orgon’s blind obedience to Tartuffe is the true moral of the play. He observes that “dupe and deceiver—and which is which?—are seen to be partners in the same enterprise” (as cited in Men and Masks, 1963). It is his opinion that Orgon basically didn’t care if Tartuffe was truly religious, Orgon just liked to revel in the obsequious attention given to him by Tartuffe (Mills, 2011). Moliere toys with us while expounding on this theme of appearance and disguise. At one point in the play, Orgon angrily disinherits his son, Damis because Damis voices his disgust of Tartuffe. Tartuffe makes the pretense of speaking up for Damis by saying to Orgon, “Believe his story; the boy deserves your trust. Why, after all, should you have faith in me? How can you know what I might do, or be? Is it on my good actions that you base your favor? Do you trust...
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