Hamlet: Is Versus Seems

In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, it is safe to assume that Prince Hamlet is always the smartest character on stage. On the outside, Hamlet always appears to be two steps ahead, planning every move he makes, but appearances are sometimes deceiving. In Act 2, Scene 2, Hamlet admits and bemoans that he has been unable to act upon his oath for revenge so far. Despite “seeming” in total control when confronting Ophelia and Polonius, he is in an inner conflict with himself. Seeming and “is-ing” are also present in Hamlet’s social behavior. He purposely acts erratically and mad around specific people, while being logical and rational with others. Arguably, however, we cannot yet know for sure which of the two is his true nature and which is acting, bringing forth the issue of seeming and being. Hamlet is not the only character that raises questions of seeming and being. Claudius provides what is perhaps the clearest example of seeming versus is-ing in the play. He appears to be a fair and worthy ruler. He married the queen for the good of Denmark and prevented war with Norway. He is even sympathetic to Hamlet, regarding the loss of his father. “Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet to give these mourning duties to your father, but you must know your father lost a father” (Act 1, Scene ii). Throughout the play thus far, he seems to care for Hamlet’s mental state of being. However, we know that he in fact murdered King Hamlet to marry the queen and gain the power he wanted. His murderous nature and intentions would be the “is-ing,” while his benevolence and kindness reflects the seeming aspect of Claudius’ nature. Another character that demonstrates the principle of seeming and is-ing in the play is Polonius, Ophelia’s father. When we are first introduced to Polonius, he is portrayed as a noble and honest man. He gives Laertes fatherly advice as he prepares to leave on his trip to Paris. Slowly, however, another side to Polonius is revealed. It becomes clear that instead of being the caring and trustworthy father portrayed initially, Polonius is mostly concerned with his private agenda and will go to great lengths to see it through. For instance, soon after Laertes has left, Polonius calls on his servant to spy on Laertes. However, he asks his servant not only to ask around, concerning Laertes, but to purposely bash his reputation to earn listeners’ trust and obtain information. Polonius’s nature is also shown when he uses Hamlet and Ophelia’s romance to his advantage by trying to portray himself as a savior to the King and Queen. The fact that he is willing to stain his own son’s reputation to make sure that his name will not be affected by Laertes, and use his daughter’s romance to promote himself around Claudius sharply contrast the earlier Polonius that was the giver of fatherly advice. This contrast is that of seeming versus being, and it is not clear which is which.