How do lies function in the play Hamlet?

Lies and
deception are an integral part of the
basic premise of and serve key
functions in advancing
the plot. The underlying conflict of the play turns on 's lies about his
role
in killing his brother. The question of whetherwas also involved in King 's death (and
has
been lying about this) is part of what drives her son to learn the
truth.

One
of the cruel ironies of the play is that in
order to uncover these lies and even to stay alive,
Hamlet himself must
become a liar. He decides to feign madness in order to investigate his

father's murder and lets almost no one in on his deception. He writes the fake
instructions
which lead to the deaths of .

Claudius piles
lies atop lies. He summons the
school friends to spy on Hamlet and escort him
to England, lying to Hamlet about the trip's
purpose (i.e., to quietly kill
Hamlet).

, the man who advises his son
"to thine own self
be true," is a hypocrite. He gets his daughter to lie to Hamlet so
he can
help Claudius. In their meeting, Hamlet andlie to each other about their reasons
for
being in that part of the castle and their respective plans.

When the truth
finally comes out, it is too late. The vast web of
lies has ended the royal line and almost
destroyed all of
Denmark.