Hamlet example essay topic

377 words
In Shakespeare's explicit play of Hamlet, corruption is the central theme. The society of Denmark is portrayed as a belittled community of deceit. The combating metaphors and imagery explain the never ending corruption in Hamlet and his society. Imagery is used to emphasize the corruption in Hamlet's society. For example, Hamlet says: Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damned, Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell. (I, , ll 40-41) Spirits bring a sense of joy or pain and they come hither from above or below.

Instead of coming straight out with it, Hamlet used imagery to give a better effect and feel to the situation. In addition, Ophelia states: But, good my brother, Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven. (I, , ll 46-48) In their d aunty ways, they have forgotten the true way to Heaven. They are more interested in getting wealthy than in saving their souls. Shakespeare's imagery is bestowed upon all the characters in an uneven ray of light. Metaphors are utilized to depict corruption in certain individuals.

For example, Hamlet says: Like Niobe, all tears, why she, even she O God, a beast, that wants discourse of reason. (I, ii, ll 149-150) Hamlet cannot believe this act of incest committed against him and his family. Thus, he refers to his uncle as a beast. Furthermore, Hamlet says: Thrift, Thrift, Horatio!

The funeral baked meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables. Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven. (I, ii, ll 180-182) The funeral of his father turns into the marriage of his mother to his uncle in an unnatural state, as meat is when it is baked. His father's body is still warm when his mother and uncle exchange vows; to him, this is immoral. Metaphors illustrate Claudius disembowelment of values and morals. Hamlet has set the tone for a long a grueling experience of hardships.

These of which were placed knowingly by his own mother and uncle. Corruption is the seed of all evil which is planted by the wicked.