Question

What does Claudius reveal in his aside, where he says, "O, 'tis too true!" in response to some of Polonius' words? Explain the meaning of the comparison he makes to a prostitute's make-up, and his situation.

Answer 1

Claudius admits internally to his own deception by comparing it to a prostitute's use of makeup to hide her true self, illustrating his immoral actions covered by a veneer of respectability.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the aside where Claudius says, "O, 'tis too true!" he is reflecting on Polonius' words and making an internal admission about his own deception. The reference he makes to a prostitute's make-up is a comparison between the layers we apply to hide our true selves and what lies beneath them, much like a prostitute might use make-up to create a desirable facade. This alludes to the idea that Claudius has painted over his crime (the murder of his brother) with a seemingly respectable exterior. Drama and literature often use such analogies to depict how certain characters, in an effort to maintain their power or respectability, cover their immoral actions with a veneer of virtue or normalcy.