The Cost of Deceit

Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, features numerous instances of deception and betrayal. Hamlet’s relationships with characters, such as Ophelia, enhance the overall tragic atmosphere of the story and deepen the play’s sense of despair as the plot unfolds. Additionally, Hamlet’s mistrust of those around him heightens the suspense of the play as his evasive actions accelerate the tension of events as they unfold, thereby contributing to the mystery behind the true outcome of the story. Consequently, Hamlet’s isolated demeanor and suspicion of those around him add to the overall meaning of the work. His actions reflect the danger of deceit, mistrust, and isolation, illustrating the consequences of tragic ends for those who employ ingenuine methods of living. 

To start, Hamlet and Ophelia’s interactions in Acts 2 and 3 significantly reinforce the tragic plot, emphasizing Hamlet’s gradual withdrawal from society and his reckless behavior following the revelation of his father’s murder. Thus, Hamlet’s isolation and recklessness, coupled with acts of deception from both him and Ophelia, intensify the tragic arc of the story as his destructive actions lead to pain for himself and others in the wake of King Hamlet’s death. In Act 2, Ophelia’s account of Hamlet’s madness and his detachment from society reveals his troubled state and the impact it has on those around him. Hamlet’s seemingly disheveled appearance, silent demeanor, and sudden grip on Ophelia’s wrist plunge her into a whirlwind of shock and worry. Hamlet, still grappling with the loss of his father and the truth behind his death, lacks the clarity to explain his erratic behavior to Ophelia. Moreover, his disregard for Ophelia’s emotions highlights the theme of deception. Although Hamlet evidently cares for Ophelia, conveyed through his numerous love letters to her, he never openly expresses his affection to her following his father’s death. Hamlet’s confusing and deceptive behavior leads Ophelia to doubt his true feelings, which contributes to the tragic arc of the plot as her emotions translate into a despondent setting for the play. Ophelia’s internal turmoil, spurred by Hamlet’s attack on her character, foreshadows incoming tragedies and sets the setting for the current tragic tone of the plot. Her despondency results in the progression of a myriad of catastrophic events, ultimately forming the play’s devastating conclusion. Withal, Hamlet’s jarring behavior further alienates him from his support system and fosters a bleak atmosphere, originating from the despair of those affected by his deceptive actions, particularly Ophelia. These harsh conditions in turn serve as the foundation for the play’s tragedy. 

Hamlet’s deceptive behavior around Ophelia is further exacerbated in Act 3. By this point, Ophelia has become a pawn for both Hamlet and Claudius to use for their respective schemes. In an attempt to find the reason behind his erratic, changed behavior, Ophelia is commanded by Claudius to visit Hamlet and express her love for him. In response, Hamlet reacts with open disdain for Ophelia, mocking her and going so far as to claim that he had never loved her despite his various love letters. Further, Hamlet calls Ophelia names and repeatedly insults her and her family, cursing at her display of lust. Hamlet’s reaction to Ophelia’s declaration of affection, along with his deceptive exploits, contributes to the tragic plot of the play. To conceal his knowledge of King Claudius’ heinous crime, Hamlet uses Ophelia as a shield, attempting to deflect suspicion away from himself and deceiving her. Hamlet tries to throw off Claudius and Polonius, who are currently spying on his conversation with Ophelia. However, his deceptive acts create immense suffering for Ophelia, who is an undeserving recipient of his rage. Although Hamlet is successful in confusing the spies, he adds to Ophelia’s suffering and furthers the tragic plot of the play by collapsing the psyche of those around him.  

In addition, Hamlet’s pervasive mistrust of the characters around him amplifies the suspense and contributes to the overall meaning of the work. Hamlet’s isolated demeanor and skepticism of almost every individual keep the play shrouded in mystery. Hamlet is constantly hiding his true intentions from those he interacts with. Betrayed by his uncle’s ruthless murder of his father and his mother’s hasty marriage to his uncle, Hamlet feels isolated and backstabbed by his family, individuals whom he should trust the most. Thus, Hamlet prevents himself from confining in others in an attempt to protect himself and his father, simultaneously upholding the late King Hamlet’s legacy and honor. Even in cases where he interacts with his own mother, Hamet is evasive and protective of his secrets. It’s not until the late King Hamlet’s ghost comes forward in his conversation with Queen Gertrude that Hamlet reveals a portion of the truth, his father’s murder. Thus, Hamlet’s avoidance culminates in palpable suspense for the play. His seemingly contradictory behavior—acting mad in public while cleverly plotting in secret—builds suspense for what is about to occur. Furthermore, by distrusting those around him, Hamlet prevents himself from sharing the true nature of his plan and advances the setting’s enigma. Hamlet’s only confidant is Horatio, whom he entrusts to information about his plans. Correspondingly, Hamlet’s lack of faith in most individuals around him enhances the overall meaning of the work. His mistrust showcases the consequences of ingenuity, deception, and isolation. Woefully, Hamlet’s distrust leads him down a despondent and lonely path, with the complete company and trust of only one individual. By illustrating the harmful consequences of Hamlet’s distrustful actions, Shakespeare builds on the play’s meaning. Hamlet’s misalliance with others around him culminates in a cycle of unnecessary pain and confusion, adding to the central message of ingenuity’s peril.

Overall, Hamlet’s deceptive relationship with characters such as Ophelia contributes to the play’s tragic narrative. Hamlet’s insincere actions drag down the mental cognition of not only himself but his community. Consequently, his fraudulence feeds an environment of isolation and tragedy. Moreover, Hamlet’s mistrust of various characters enhances the suspense, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the story’s ultimate resolution. Hamlet’s paranoia is confounding, keeping others around him second-guessing his actions. Additionally, his lack of faith builds upon the work’s overall meaning by illustrating the pitfalls of deception, misguidance, and solitude. His tragic experiences are a significant symbol of Shakespeare’s message, conveying the effects of falsehood. 

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 1992.