Hamlet Theme of Lies and Deceit

Hamlet, more than almost any character in literature, hates deception and craves honesty. It is one of the brilliant ironies of the play that Hamlet, an absolutist in his quest for truth, is trapped in a seamy political world where deception is a necessary part of life and political "spin" rules the day. This contrast, fascinating to the audience, is a torment to Hamlet. Deception is necessary for and used by every character in Hamlet, for every purpose ranging from love to parenting to regicide.

1. What is Hamlet's stance towards deception or "seeming?" Does he provide any explanation as to why he is so disgusted by these things? Are we supposed to share his opinion?
2. How do characters other than Hamlet discuss deception?
3. Who in the play engages in some kind of deception or deceit? Which characters avoid deception completely?
4. Does Hamlet himself avoid deception? Is he a hypocrite?
5. Polonius says, "To thine own self be true / and it must follow, as the night the day / Thou canst not then be false to any man." Is this evaluation of truth and deception backed up by the play? Does Polonius follow his own advice? Does anyone follow it?

Hamlet is miserable in Denmark not just because of his father's death, but because he craves honesty while everyone else around him is engaged in deception and manipulation.

There is justice in Hamlet because every character that practices deception is ultimately punished for doing so, often by his own form of treachery.