Re-read lines 1-25 What does Shakespeare suggest about appearance vs. reality? Why does Hamlet reject to overacting?

1. Shakespeare suggests that there is little difference between appearance and reality. In the dramatization, many characters assumed behaviors that were not true indications of who they truly were. They eventually turned out to be that which they imitated.

2. Hamlet in addressing the players warned against overacting because it was not a true reflection of things and it removes originality from what is projected. Only the unwise were moved by overacting but it was unappealing to the wise.

Explanation:

1. The play, Hamlet, featured a lot of characters that showed the contrast between appearance and reality. The character Hamlet was one of such who pretended to be mad but was later driven to madness because of his actions. Shakespeare suggests that it was not wise for us to pretend to be that which we are not because in the act of pretending, we could actually become that which we were pretending to be.

2. Hamlet hated overacting and counseled the players against overacting because it detracts from the original way things should be. It entertains the foolish but was not interesting to the knowledgeable. In Act 3 Scene 2 he told the players to avoid gesticulating too much but that they should act like gentlemen and use their discretion.

He said;

"Now this overdone, or come off, though it make the unskillful laugh cannot but make the judicious grieve-"