Max Marchitello

Keeping up Appearances

            Hamlet is a play of questioning identity and existence, false appearances and inaccurate observations. Gaining a sense of what Shakespeare intended when he wrote “seem” is important to the questions of reality and identity present in the play. I would like to pay particular attention to act one, scene two, lines 65-86. The Oxford English Dictionary defines “seem” as both “To have semblance or appearance” as well as “To appear to be, to be apparently” (OED 2nd ed., s.v. “seem” II, 3). However, Shakespeare wrote “seem” instead of the idea of “appearance” because it implies more specifically physical characteristics. Also, unlike “seem,” “appear” does not have the same level of uncertainty inherent in it. Therefore, I find the second definition most relevant to Hamlet since it suggests a level of doubt.

            Within this short passage there are multiple meanings of “seem.” According to Queen Gertrude, her son “seems” to be depressed in the wake of his father’s and her husband’s death: “Good Hamlet, cast thy nightly colour off” (1.2.68). She continues to say that death is a part of life, that everyone dies and she questions why such a common occurrence affects him thus: “Thou know’st tis common—all that lives must die” (1.2.72). Hamlet agrees that yes, it is common; however, this carries a double meaning. He understands that death is inevitable but yet the manner in which his uncle and mother treat his father’s death is common, or crude and vulgar. Gertrude then asks the obvious question: “Why seems it so particular with thee?” (1.2.75). Gertrude does not understand the different meanings of “seem” and innocently inquires after her son’s health and state of mind. Hamlet seizes upon this word and he understands the difference between being and seeming. He rejects acting a part and wearing a costume—he does not “seem” to be distraught, he is distraught: “Seems, madam? Nay, it is I know not ‘seems’. / ’Tis not alone my inky cloak, good-mother, / Nor customary suits of solemn black,” (1.2.76-78). These lines indicate that the word “seems” carries with it a level of falsity: he does not “seem,” nor appear to be in mourning, he is. It also is a witty critique of his mother and his uncle. In Hamlet’s opinion, it is they who only seem to be in mourning, hiding behind the “customary” black clothing. Claudius and Gertrude are simply “keeping up appearances” they seem to be in mourning when in fact they have already moved past the former King.

            The use of “seem” that Shakespeare employs in this instance gives Hamlet instant credibility. He is true to his feelings and emotions: how he “seems” is actually reflective of his mood. The audience or the reader is immediately given a reason to distrust Claudius and Gertrude before receiving any knowledge of the “murder most foul” committed by Claudius. The word “seems” is used to drive home the notion that one should not blindly trust how a situation or someone “seems.” Shakespeare is stating that perceptions and appearances can be deceiving.