The Theme of Subterfuge in Shakespeare's Hamlet

William Shakespeare's masterpiece, Hamlet, is a play rich with various themes and motifs that contribute to its complexity. One theme that stands out prominently is subterfuge, the art of deception and secret planning. Throughout the play, subterfuge plays a central role in the development of the plot and the characters' actions. This essay explores the theme of subterfuge in Hamlet, analyzing its significance and providing examples from the text to illustrate its pervasive presence.

Devious Plots and Secret Plans

One of the most striking manifestations of subterfuge in Hamlet is evident in the secret plans devised by characters to achieve their ulterior motives.

Laertes and Claudius conspire to kill Hamlet, each plotting in secrecy. Laertes, when discussing their plan with Claudius, articulates their sinister intentions: "Where it draws blood no cataplasm so rare, collected from all simples that have virtue under the moon, can save the thing from death." This clandestine agreement sets in motion a deadly plot against Hamlet.

Claudius, too, harbors his own secret plan to eliminate Hamlet.

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He aligns himself with Laertes, revealing his willingness to take part in this nefarious scheme. These covert machinations highlight the pervasive nature of subterfuge in the play.

Hamlet's Ingenious Deceptions

Hamlet himself is not exempt from employing subterfuge as a means of unraveling the truth. His ingenious plan to re-enact the murder of King Hamlet during a play is a prime example. Hamlet devises this scheme to gauge Claudius's reaction and determine his guilt. He instructs the players to perform the play exactly as he specifies, saying, "Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you.

" This covert operation allows Hamlet to assess Claudius's conscience and ascertain whether the ghost's accusations hold true.

Furthermore, Hamlet shares another secret plan with his confidant Horatio. He intends to closely observe Claudius's reactions during the performance, proclaiming, "Give him heedful note; for I mine eyes will rivet to his face, and after will both our judgments join in censure of his seeming." Hamlet's strategic use of subterfuge showcases his dedication to uncovering the truth behind his father's murder.

Polonius's Espionage

Polonius, the shrewd counselor in the Danish court, also partakes in subterfuge to gather information. When Laertes departs for France, Polonius is concerned about his son's behavior and well-being. In a covert maneuver, he instructs Reynaldo to spy on Laertes and spread false stories about him. Polonius articulates his plan: "and thus do we of wisdom and of reach, with windlasses and assays of bias, by indirections find directions out." He believes that by spreading fabricated tales, the truth about Laertes's conduct will ultimately surface.

Reynaldo complies with Polonius's instructions, confirming the theme of subterfuge as a pervasive element in the play. This demonstrates how even trusted advisors like Polonius engage in covert activities to achieve their objectives.

Eavesdropping and Hidden Observations

Another manifestation of subterfuge in Hamlet is the act of eavesdropping and hidden observations. Polonius and Claudius hatch a plan to eavesdrop on a conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia, hoping to uncover the source of Hamlet's madness. Polonius chooses a concealed location behind curtains to secretly overhear their exchange, revealing the extent to which subterfuge is employed to gather information.

Following this, Queen Gertrude also devises a covert plan to discern the cause of Hamlet's erratic behavior. She conspires with Polonius to arrange a meeting between Hamlet and his mother in her chambers, where they will eavesdrop on their conversation. This clandestine operation underscores the theme of subterfuge as a tool for unraveling mysteries within the play.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's Mission

Even Hamlet's childhood friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, become unwitting participants in the theme of subterfuge. Queen Gertrude summons them to the court with a hidden agenda: to uncover the cause of Hamlet's madness. She welcomes them with gracious words, saying, "And sure I am two men there are not living to whom he more adheres. If it will please you to show us so much gentry and good will, as to expend you time with us a while for the supply and profit of our hope, your visitation shall receive such thanks." Queen Gertrude's ulterior motive is to use their friendship with Hamlet to gain insights into his troubled state of mind.

Additional Instances of Subterfuge

While the examples mentioned above are some of the most prominent instances of subterfuge in Hamlet, there are other, smaller occurrences of secret planning and deception throughout the play. Claudius's covert letter to the King of England, ordering Hamlet's execution upon arrival, is a prime illustration of subterfuge. Similarly, Fortinbras's grand plan to feign an attack on Poland while secretly intending to seize control of Denmark showcases the theme's pervasive nature.

Even Hamlet himself employs subterfuge when he demands that Horatio and Marcellus keep secret their encounter with the ghost, instructing them to "Never speak of this that you have seen, swear by my sword." Hamlet recognizes the importance of maintaining secrecy in certain situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, subterfuge emerges as a central theme in William Shakespeare's Hamlet, permeating the play's narrative and character interactions. Whether through secret plans, deceptive actions, or covert observations, subterfuge plays a pivotal role in the development of the plot and the revelation of hidden truths. The characters' use of subterfuge underscores the complexities of human nature and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their goals or uncover the truth.

As readers and audiences delve into the intricate layers of deception and secrecy within Hamlet, they gain insight into the multifaceted nature of the human psyche. Subterfuge serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and revenge often leads characters down a treacherous path of hidden agendas and clandestine operations.

Ultimately, the theme of subterfuge in Hamlet invites us to explore the intricate web of human interactions and motivations, challenging us to question the authenticity of characters' intentions and the consequences of their deceitful actions.