[In this general analysis of Hamlet Mack discusses three aspects of the play: its mysteriousness, the relationship between appearance and reality, and aconcept the critic terms "mortality. " The element of mysteriousness is not only created by the play's various ambiguities and uncertainties, the critic contends, but also by the numerous questions, especially Hamlet's, that pervade the dramatic action. Further, the dijJiculty in distinguishing appearancefrom reality poses acrucial dilemmafor Hamlet early in the play, Mack asserts,for although the Ghost seems to be abenevolent spirit, it may infact be adevil who assumes the form of the prince's father. This concern with appearance and reality recurs time and again in Hamlet especially in such issues as Claudius's true nature and the manipulation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstem and Opheliato spy on Hamlet In addition, the critic continues, the sense.....
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