Appearance, Reality and Deception

Start with appearance and reality

Begin with the mind map Appearance vs. Reality, which introduces the difference between what seems to be true and what is true. It includes Polonius, Claudius and Hamlet, and considers how characters use deception as they try to understand one another.

As you read, make a short list of the characters named. For each one, note how the map connects them to appearance, reality or deception. This gives you a way into the theme before looking at more specific examples.

Look at how the theme is presented

Next, explore the mind map Hamlet: appearance vs. reality that begins with the play's opening in darkness. It considers how the opening creates confusion and raises questions about recognition. Another map with the same title looks at the ghost and what can or cannot be seen.

The note created from a mind map focuses on vision and includes Hamlet's words about seeming. Read it alongside the maps and compare the questions they raise about what people see and what they understand.

Follow deception and acting

A further mind map examines deception and acting in Hamlet. Its branches include Hamlet's madness, Rosencratz and Guildenstern, and Claudius. The map on acting and pretense also includes Hamlet's antic disposition and the players.

Try comparing these maps with your starting map. Look for a character or idea that appears in both, then note what each resource adds. The maps offer different routes through this section of the Hamlet unit in Literature.

Check your understanding

There are no quizzes listed on this page, but you can still use the maps to test your recall. Turn a branch into a question, answer it without looking, then return to the map to check what you included. Pick a map and give that approach a try.