symbolism in hamlet essay

Hamlet Symbolism

Symbolism means an artistic and poetic expression or style using figurative images and indirect ideas to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind. The reader will find significant symbolism thought the play ‘ Hamlet ’ which shows a variety of connotations from situation to situation and context to context. Some of the most important symbols in Hamlet are discussed below.

Symbolism in Hamlet

The appearance of the ghost of Old Hamlet in the very first scene of the play symbolizes tough times are coming ahead. It signifies the presence of supernatural powers like the three witches of Macbeth . However, it represents the difficult times ahead for Hamlet as well as Claudius, making the revelation that Claudius is the murderer of Old Hamlet. Ghost also symbolizes the foreshadow of the upcoming the turmoil in Denmark as Hamlet prepares to take revenge against Claudius. It shows that the ghost is not a good but a bad omen for the state of Denmark as well as its ruler, Claudius.

Flowers appear in Hamlet when Ophelia loses her mind. She starts distributing flowers to everybody she meets. She presents each flower, describing what it stands for and then moves to the next. The flowers show various features as she states that rosemary is for remembrance , pansy for thoughts and so on. Ophelia expresses her pain of the betrayal she felt by offering the flowers and describing what they symbolize. Her father’s murder and Hamlet’s taunt takes its toll on her. That is why the flowers symbolize her inner turmoil and also her faithfulness.

The skull in Hamlet is of Yorick, the court’s jester. This skull is a symbol of death, decay and uselessness of a person after his death. It is a physical remnant of the dead person that is an omen of what he may have to face in the life hereafter. The skull makes Hamlet think about his own destiny and his own life after his death. It implies how man finally returns to dust. The skull reminds Hamlet that even “Imperious Caesar” is subject to death and decay. Death does not leave anybody intact or alive.

Weather is another important symbol in Hamlet. It shows that the bad weather is the sign of worse situation coming ahead and good weather points to good times. However, in the first scene, Shakespeare has shown that the weather is frigid and foggy in which the ghost of Old Hamlet appears. This confusing and ambivalent weather is signifying the same situation coming ahead. Hamlet is confused like the situation that is hazy and unclear. Therefore, the good or bad weather is the sign of good or bad times in the play.

Although death is in the mind of Hamlet since the play starts, it becomes an important subject when he enters the graveyard. The gravedigger plays with words when responding to Hamlet’s questions. He gives him the philosophy of life that all sort of skulls whether they are of the kings or beggars are lying there in the graveyard. He responds that all the dead persons are equal when they are stripped of their political statuses. Graveyard signifies a place where all are equal and the people working in the graveyards become insensitive to the positions and political status of the dead.

The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap is the play titled as The Murder of Gonzago, which has been staged in Hamlet. Hamlet has given directions to the players and written parts of the speech delivered by the queen. The title ‘The Mousetrap’ shows that the purpose of Hamlet to insert his own ideas in the play to force his mother to confess her crime, recall her promise to her late husband or at least show signs of guilt. It is also interesting that almost all the characters in this short play are based on the real characters who are watching them on the stage. Therefore, the story is symbolical for the trap laid by Hamlet to catch the real culprit.

Fencing Swords

Fencing swords in Hamlet have been used in the final scene during the duel between Laertes and Hamlet. The fencing swords point to the approach of the end of Hamlet’s quest and resultant deaths. The fencing sword is a sign of a person having courage , bravery and the will to exact revenge. As both the characters engaged in fencing swords have some cause, and also have their honors at stake, they come to fight a duel in which both are killed. Therefore, fencing swords symbolize violence and deaths in the play.

Gravedigger

Although there are two gravediggers, one of them is not only a good player of words but also a good philosopher. His responses to the questions posed by Hamlet show that he knows how death makes all equal in the graveyard. He also knows that he has dug graves of everyone who died. When digging Ophelia’s grave, they also point out to Hamlet that it doesn’t matter whether somebody has committed suicide. Their presence signifies that deaths make all people equal in spite of their positions.

Hamlet ’s costume changes

Throughout the play, Hamlet wears dark blue cloak to express his mourning for his dead father. As the days pass, his mother insists him to stop mourning. However, Hamlet continues to wear black clothes that keep him apart. It symbolizes that Hamlet doesn’t care about outward appearance and wanted to remember his father until he seeks revenge. Hamlet’s black costume shows his anguish.

Poison is a recurring symbol in the play that appears in various scenes specifically when the ghost appears. The ghost explains to the young Hamlet the henbane is poured into the ears of Old Hamlet to kill him. This poison killed him instantly, blocking his blood. Therefore, poisoning a person here in Hamlet symbolizes betrayal, deception, and treachery. This symbol of poison is significant and exposes Claudius evil character .

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Hamlet Symbolism – Overview of Symbols

Home » Literature Explained – Literary Synopses and Book Summaries » Hamlet » Hamlet Symbolism – Overview of Symbols

Hamlet Symbolism – Introduction

The play takes place in Elsinore, Denmark. During the time in which the play took place, it was an important military location for the country of Denmark. This location watches over the area of the sea that Denmark controlled, and the fortress kept an eye out for impending invasions. During the play, it is learned that the Norwegian prince, Fortinbras, is planning to attack Denmark out of revenge for his father’s death. This creates a mood of anxious uncertainty throughout the play.

During the course of the play, there are several motifs that speak to the play’s overall symbolism. Perhaps the most noticeable motif is misogyny. Hamlet is destroyed by his mother’s decision to marry Claudius after his father’s death. He wishes to control her and feels cynical about women when he realizes that ultimately, he cannot control her. When Hamlet is approached by Ophelia, he suggests that she join a nunnery rather than to be corrupted by sexuality and marriage. Similar to the misogyny motif, there is also a motif of incestuous desire. Hamlet is relatively obsessed with his mother’s sexuality and her union with Claudius. Some people also consider the relationship between Claudius and Gertrude as incestuous as well, since they were sister-in-law and brother-in-law before their marriage. Furthermore, Laertes seems to have an unhealthy attachment to his sister, as he argues with Hamlet about who could have loved her better after she dies. This all speaks back to the misogyny motif, in a sense, as it shows how the men of the play have strong desires to control and manipulate the women in their lives.

Another motif is hearing. Hamlet knows that words do not always represent the truth. His uncle, Claudius, killed his father by pouring poison into his ear. Hamlet also refers to information as being so volatile that it can ruin one’s hearing.

Symbols in Hamlet

Here’s a list of major symbols in Hamlet .

Symbolism in Hamlet

Although the play overall does not find itself rich with symbolism in the form of objects, the skull from the graveyard scene is a noticeable exception. In Act V, Hamlet is watching as gravediggers prepare a grave and move old bones around to make room. He picks up a skull and is told that it belongs to Yorick, the late king’s jester. He is impressed that someone who he knew as a young boy is now merely dust and bones. In this intense moment of contemplation with the skull, he realizes that absolutely nobody escapes death. He notices how unglamorous death is, and that even kings will simply become food for worms one day. His famous “to be, or not to be” monologue occurs here as he wonders whether continuing to try and get revenge is really worth it in the end. In this moment, Hamlet becomes aware that he will die eventually, no matter what he does—so is there a point?

Themes, Motifs, and Symbols in Hamlet

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

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Major Themes in Hamlet

Even though Shakespeare wrote this great drama for Elizabethan audiences over 400 years ago, the themes presented in this tragedy are still relevant for 21st-century audiences today. The usual themes of deception and vengeance are clearly portrayed throughout Hamlet and many of Shakespeare’s tragedies (think  Othello ,  Romeo and Juliet,  or  Titus Andronicus ). 

However,  Hamlet  stands out among the rest of Shakespeare’s tragedies in its depiction of mental illness throughout the play, even portraying the lead character as overcome with “madness” as the events of the play progress. 

The Complexity of Mental Illness

The American Psychiatry Association defines mental illnesses as “ health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. ” 

Both Hamlet and Ophelia suffer from some form of mental illness, and their conditions are only exacerbated by the trauma that they experience before and during the play.

At the start of the play, Hamlet is crippled by the trauma of suddenly losing his father, and instead of comforting him, his uncle rebukes him and calls his grief “unmanly” (Shakespeare 14). Because he is under emotional distress, Hamlet reacts to his uncle’s words drastically but still in private, seeing life as pointless and wishing for death (Shakespeare 15). Even though Hamlet feigns “madness” to manipulate those around him, the reality of his mental illness becomes clearly apparent, especially as the tragedy progresses.

On the other hand, Ophelia is traumatized by two separate events; first, Hamlet’s rejection of her love, and secondly, the murder of her father by Hamlet’s careless hand. Ophelia’s mental illness, likely depression, is clearly visible to all in her unkempt hair and inability to hold meaningful conversation.

It is unusual that Shakespeare would include both male and female characters in his depiction of mental illness, especially since women were perceived as primarily prone to this type of illness. Additionally, mental illness in women was typically misdiagnosed and mistreated. For example, a woman who disobeyed her husband was quickly labeled as mad and sometimes even sent away for harsh and ineffective “treatment.” Shakespeare treads carefully by first introducing Hamlet’s “madness” as an act, but as the play progresses, the reader can clearly see the reality of his affliction. 

In her essay, “Shakespeare’s Madwomen: How Elizabethan Theatre Challenged the Perception of Mental Afflictions,” Hannah Dhue explains that Shakespeare “ endeavors to prove that madness in women can be a perfectly legitimate, logically explained affliction that is not specific to gender ” (2). In his play, Shakespeare radically redefined mental illness for both men and women through his portrayal of both Hamlet and Ophelia. 

The Danger of Deception and Manipulation

Deception and manipulation run rampant in Shakespeare’s  Hamlet , beginning with the murder of the late king by his brother. Hamlet and his mother have both been deceived as to the actual cause of the king’s death. Even when Hamlet learns the true reason from his father’s ghost, Horatio and Marcellus still warn him against so quickly believing the ghost’s words, as they fear some demon is manipulating him. 

Hamlet’s closest friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, arrive in Denmark and appear to be concerned with Hamlet’s well-being; however, Hamlet quickly determines that these friends are merely spying on him at the request of his uncle. 

However, Hamlet is not just a victim but also a perpetrator of deception. Hamlet also puts on a play that reenacts his father’s murder as a means to catch his uncle as soon as he shows any signs of guilt. Additionally, Hamlet plays with Ophelia’s emotions and leads her to believe that he is genuinely interested in her, but he also manipulates her and others by pretending to be mad.

In a weak attempt to be a helpful father, Polonius decides that the best way to confront Hamlet is by concealing himself behind a tapestry, using his own daughter to attempt to entrap him. This is not the first time Polonius is deceptive; earlier in the play, he snuck around behind his son Laertes’ back and sent Reynaldo to spy on him in Paris. 

Every instance of deception in this play causes lasting damage: Polonius is mistaken for the king and murdered by Hamlet. Ophelia takes her own life, while Hamlet has his best friends murdered, and Laertes dies after becoming entangled in Hamlet and Claudius’ dispute.

The Futility of Revenge

Hamlet is a prime candidate for manipulation after his father’s sudden death. He knows something is wrong, but he cannot quite place a finger on it. Upon seeing the ghost and recognizing his father, he abandons his fears that the ghost is a demon and never questions whether the ghost is real or whether the ghost’s words are true. 

Even Horatio describes his friend as “ desperate with imagination ” (Shakespeare 32). When the ghost confirms Hamlet’s fears that his uncle murdered his father, Hamlet is more than willing to swear to avenge his father. 

However, Hamlet is so much in his own head that he fails to put action to his promise until the play’s very end. When he has a prime opportunity to murder Claudius while he is praying, Hamlet hesitates, fearful that Claudius might go to heaven. His father’s ghost even appears midway through the play to remind Hamlet of his oath to avenge his murder.

However, throughout the course of the play, one by one, the people around Hamlet serve as casualties to his plan. Hamlet impulsively kills Polonius behind a tapestry, and Hamlet’s rejection of Ophelia leads her to die. Laertes becomes involved because both his father and sister are dead, but he too ends up dying at Hamlet’s hand, as well as Hamlet’s mother and Hamlet himself. Even though vengeance is served by the end of the play, it is futile, and no one wins.

Motifs and Symbols in Hamlet

Death is a regular motif in Shakespeare’s  Hamlet . A murder occurs even before the play begins, and many more follow as the play progresses. However, death appears as a motif in several different instances, primarily on the topic of suicide. Overcome with grief at his father’s sudden death, Hamlet wishes he could die, saying,  “O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!”  (Shakespeare 15). He sees life as pointless but refuses to take his own life because he fears eternal repercussions (the church preached that those who took their own lives could not enter heaven). 

When Hamlet is given the order to avenge his father’s death, his life has a new purpose; however, those heavy thoughts still remain. In Act 3, Hamlet gives his famous soliloquy, asking whether it is better  “to be”  (to live) or  “not to be”  (to die) (Shakespeare 77). However, once Hamlet is assured of Claudius’ guilt, his will to live is renewed, and his ideas about death are disguised as irreverent jokes. 

When he murders Polonius, he has no compassion and feels no remorse for his actions. Instead, he jokes about Polonius being “ at supper; not where he eats, but where he is eaten ” (Shakespeare 119). Later, when Ophelia dies, whether by suicide or by accident, the grave diggers argue back and forth whether or not Ophelia deserves a “Christian burial” since it is possible that she killed herself. Hamlet makes light of the grave scene, picking up skulls and talking to them. However, his mood quickly changes when Ophelia is brought to be buried. Hamlet seems to snap out of his feigned madness by expressing his love for Ophelia; however, her death clearly has exacerbated his mental illness, as shown by his fighting with Laertes in Ophelia’s grave. 

The play both begins and ends with death; even though Hamlet’s father is avenged and Claudius dies, so does Hamlet’s mother, Polonius, Laertes, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Hamlet. Fortinbras overtake Denmark, and even though Fortinbras honors Hamlet as a hero, he is also astounded at the scene before him, likening it to a battlefield.

Ears and Hearing

When Claudius kills Hamlet’s father by pouring poison into his ear, this act incites the play’s action and is also highly symbolic. The ghost enforces that the spread of the lie that a snake killed him “rankly abus[es} the whole ear of Denmark” (Shakespeare 34). Later in the play, when Hamlet attacks his mother for marrying his uncle, his mother cries out that “these words, like daggers, enter in mine ears,” symbolizing the judgment and hurt she feels (Shakespeare 109).

However, hearing is also a common motif throughout the play, specifically overhearing and eavesdropping. Multiple characters spy on one another: Polonius spies on both Laertes and Hamlet, Hamlet spies on the king, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are commanded to spy on Hamlet. None of these situations end well, as they all enforce distrust within the kingdom.

It is more than a little strange that Hamlet is obsessed with his mother’s, ahem, love life. He is disgusted that his mother married and was intimate so quickly with Claudius after her husband’s death. He even dares to command his mother not to sleep with Claudius anymore. In Act 3, scene 4, Hamlet goes directly against the ghost’s words and attacks his mother, likening her marriage bed to a pigsty.

In a previous scene, Laertes tells his sister Ophelia not to sleep with Hamlet because he fears Hamlet is not genuine. He is correct, but Ophelia sleeps with him anyway. When Ophelia realizes that Hamlet does not care about her, she is devastated. She sings, “before you tumbled me, you promised me to wed” (Shakespeare 128). Ophelia feels heartbreak but also shame, especially considering Laertes’ previous warnings about retaining her honor.

Hamlet carries with it both heavy themes and symbols. It is not a light read by any means! However, with a mature group of students, there are plenty of opportunities for meaningful discussion on any of these themes or motifs. 

Works Cited

American Psychiatric Association. What Is Mental Illness? , www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness. Dhue, Hannah, and Dani Snyder. “Shakespeare’s Madwomen: How Elizabethan Theatre Challenged the Perception of Mental Afflictions.” Digital Commons @ IWU , digitalcommons.iwu.edu/jwprc/2014/oralpres9/1/. Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet: with Connections . Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2000.

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by William Shakespeare

Hamlet symbols, allegory and motifs.

The ghost of Hamlet's father that appears throughout the play symbolizes memory and the past. While some performances of the play represent the ghost as a real supernatural figure, others interpret it more as a projection of Hamlet's tortured psyche. Regardless of whether the ghost actually appears in physical form, however, its presence introduces the central conflict of the play: Hamlet must reckon with the knowledge of his father's murder while being haunted by the memory of the late king. Furthermore, the ghost is most often associated with memory due to its instruction to Hamlet: "Remember me" (1.1). It is the ghost that catalyzes the events of the play, suggesting that the past will always shed influence on what comes after it.

Ophelia's Flowers

In Act 4, Ophelia appears with a bouquet of flowers that she hands out to other characters on the stage. Following her rejection by Hamlet and her father's tragic death, Ophelia slowly descents into a manic state, which many have equated with madness. When her body is found in the water toward the end of the play, she is said to have been wreathed in garlands of flowers. Ophelia herself explains the symbolism of the flowers as she disperses them, noting that some are for mourning, others are for celebration, and still others are attached to romantic or erotic love. While the individual flowers are symbolic by themselves, Ophelia's appearance in Act 4 with a disparate collection of symbolic garlands reflects her own troubled state: buffeted about by the male characters in the play, Ophelia loses her grip on reality and is ultimately crushed by the expectations others have placed on her.

Yorick's Skull

Perhaps the most famous symbol in all of English drama, Yorick's skull that Hamlet unearths in the graveyard symbolizes the inevitability and equalizing nature of death. Yorick was a court jester that Hamlet knew well as a child. When his skull is exhumed by the gravedigger in Act 5, Hamlet picks it up and contemplates the nature of morality, in which everyone on earth – regardless of social status, wealth, or personality – inevitably ends up as nothing but bones in the ground.

Confused Identities

Confusion over characters' identities is a recurring motif in the play, beginning with the very first line when Bernardo asks, "Who's there?" to his fellow guard (1.1) The exchange sets the play firmly in an anxious and confused mood, amplified only by the presence of the ghost that occurs later in the scene. Similarly, the death of Polonius occurs because Hamlet mistakes him for Claudius hiding in Gertrude's bed chamber. Finally, Hamlet's childhood friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, pretend to serve as Hamlet's confidants but are instead employed by Claudius and end up dying for their betrayal. All of these instances of identity confusion help underscore the play's overarching sense of paranoia and Hamlet's personal struggle with uncertainty.

Plays and Performance

Because the play follows an anxious and troubled protagonist, an important motif that develops is that of drama itself. Hamlet, unsure of who he can trust once he discovers that his father was murdered by his uncle, becomes preoccupied with the way men portray themselves and deceive others. As such, he offers meta-theatrical commentary throughout the play, questioning how actors can feign emotion and even using a play-within-the-play to enact his revenge on Claudius.

Hamlet Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Hamlet is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Closely examine Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy on page 137 (lines 57-91). Summarize the arguments he is contemplating in this speech.

What act and scene are you referring to?

Describe Fortinbras based on what Horatio says.

Do you mean in Act 1? Based upon Horatio's description, young Fortinbras is bold, inexperienced, and willing to do anything to regain his father's lost lands.

Why is a clock mentioned in Hamlet. There weren’t any clock’s in Hanlet’s time.

Yes I've heard this question before. This is called an anachronism. It is an inconsistency in some chronological arrangement. In this case, there were clocks in Shakespeare’s time but not in Hamlet's. Shakespeare wrote it in because he thought it...

Study Guide for Hamlet

Hamlet study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Hamlet
• Hamlet Summary
• Hamlet Video
• Character List

Essays for Hamlet

Hamlet essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

• Through Rose Colored Glasses: How the Victorian Age Shifted the Focus of Hamlet
• Q to F7: Mate; Hamlet's Emotions, Actions, and Importance in the Nunnery Scene
• Before the Storm
• Haunted: Hamlet's Relationship With His Dead Father
• Heliocentric Hamlet: The Astronomy of Hamlet

Lesson Plan for Hamlet

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Hamlet
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Hamlet Bibliography

E-Text of Hamlet

The Hamlet e-text contains the full text of the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

• List of Characters

Wikipedia Entries for Hamlet

• Introduction

Hamlet Symbolism

• Alliteration
• Anachronism
• Antimetabole
• Aposiopesis
• Characterization
• Colloquialism
• Connotation
• Deus Ex Machina
• Didacticism
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Flash Forward
• Foreshadowing
• Internal Rhyme
• Juxtaposition
• Non Sequitur
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Poetic Justice
• Point of View
• Portmanteau
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Superlative
• Synesthesia
• Tragicomedy
• Tragic Flaw
• Verisimilitude

Hamlet Research Paper & Essay Examples

When you have to write an essay on Hamlet by Shakespeare, you may need an example to follow. In this article, our team collected numerous samples for this exact purpose. Here you’ll see Hamlet essay and research paper examples that can inspire you and show how to structure your writing.

✍ Hamlet: Essay Samples

• What Makes Hamlet such a Complex Character? Genre: Essay Words: 560 Focused on: Hamlet’s insanity and changes in the character Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia
• Shakespeare versus Olivier: A Depiction of ‘Hamlet’ Genre: Essay Words: 2683 Focused on: Comparison of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Laurence Olivier’s adaptation Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Ophelia, Gertrude
• Drama Analysis of Hamlet by Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 1635 Focused on: Literary devices used in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia
• Hamlet’s Renaissance Culture Conflict Genre: Critical Essay Words: 1459 Focused on: Hamlet’s and Renaissance perspective on death Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Horatio
• Father-Son Relationships in Hamlet – Hamlet’s Loyalty to His Father Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 1137 Focused on: Obedience in the relationship between fathers and sons in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Ophelia, Polonius, Fortinbras, Polonius, the Ghost, Claudius
• A Play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 1026 Focused on: Hamlet’s personality and themes of the play Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Gertrude, Polonius
• Characterization of Hamlet Genre: Analytical Essay Words: 876 Focused on: Hamlet’s indecision and other faults Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, the Ghost, Gertrude
• Hamlet’s Relationship with His Mother Gertrude Genre: Research Paper Words: 1383 Focused on: Hamlet’s relationship with Gertrude and Ophelia Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Gertrude, Ophelia, Claudius, Polonius
• The Theme of Revenge in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Genre: Research Paper Words: 1081 Focused on: Revenge in Hamlet and how it affects characters Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, the Ghost
• Canonical Status of Hamlet by William Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 1972 Focused on: Literary Canon and interpretations of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Horatio, Claudius
• A Critical Analysis of Hamlet’s Constant Procrastination in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1141 Focused on: Reasons for Hamlet’s procrastination and its consequences Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius
• Role of Women in Twelfth Night and Hamlet by Shakespeare Genre: Research Paper Words: 2527 Focused on: Women in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Hamlet Characters mentioned: Ophelia, Gertrude, Hamlet, Claudius, Laertes, Polonius
• William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Genre: Essay Words: 849 Focused on: Key ideas and themes of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Laertes
• Shakespeare: Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1446 Focused on: The graveyard scene analysis Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Laertes, Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius
• Oedipus Rex and Hamlet Compare and Contrast Genre: Term Paper Words: 998 Focused on: Comparison of King Oedipus and Hamlet from Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet . Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• The Play “Hamlet Prince of Denmark” by W.Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 824 Focused on: How Hamlet treats Ophelia and the consequences of his behavior Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, Laertes
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 635 Focused on: Key themes of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Fortinbras
• Hamlet’s Choice of Fortinbras as His Successor Genre: Essay Words: 948 Focused on: Why Hamlet chose Fortinbras as his successor Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Fortinbras, Claudius
• Hamlet, Laertes, Fortinbras: Avenging the Death of their Father Compare and Contrast Genre: Compare and Contrast Essay Words: 759 Focused on: Paths and revenge of Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Fortinbras, Claudius
• Oedipus the King and Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 920 Focused on: Comparison of Oedipus and King Claudius Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude
• Hamlet Genre: Term Paper Words: 1905 Focused on: Character of Gertrude and her transformation Characters mentioned: Gertrude, Hamlet, Claudius, the Ghost, Polonius
• Compare Laertes and Hamlet: Both React to their Fathers’ Killing/Murder Compare and Contrast Genre: Compare and Contrast Essay Words: 1188 Focused on: Tension between Hamlet and Laertes and their revenge Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Ophelia, Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude
• Recurring Theme of Revenge in Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1123 Focused on: The theme of revenge in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Laertes, Ophelia
• The Function of the Soliloquies in Hamlet Genre: Research Paper Words: 2055 Focused on: Why Shakespeare incorporated soliloquies in the play Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude
• The Hamlet’s Emotional Feelings in the Shakespearean Tragedy Genre: Essay Words: 813 Focused on: What Hamlet feels and why Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius
• Blindness in Oedipus Rex & Hamlet Genre: Research Paper Words: 2476 Focused on: How blindness reveals itself in Oedipus Rex and Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, the Ghost
• “Hamlet” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” Genre: Essay Words: 550 Focused on: Comparison of Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern
• The Role of Queen Gertrude in Play “Hamlet” Genre: Essay Words: 886 Focused on: Gertrude’s role in Hamlet and her involvement in King Hamlet’s murder Characters mentioned: Gertrude, Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Polonius
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 276 Focused on: The role and destiny of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Hamlet, Claudius
• Passing through nature into eternity Genre: Term Paper Words: 2900 Focused on: Comparison of Because I Could Not Stop for Death, and I Died for Beauty, but was Scarce by Emily Dickinson with Shakespeare’s Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Gertrude
• When the Truth Comes into the Open: Claudius’s Revelation Genre: Essay Words: 801 Focused on: Claudius’ confession and secret Characters mentioned: Claudius, Hamlet
• Shakespeare Authorship Question: Thorough Analysis of Style, Context, and Violence in the Plays Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night Genre: Term Paper Words: 1326 Focused on: Whether Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• Measuring the Depth of Despair: When There Is no Point in Living Genre: Essay Words: 1165 Focused on: Despair in Hamlet and Macbeth Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• Violence of Shakespeare Genre: Term Paper Words: 1701 Focused on: Violence in different Shakespeare’s plays Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Horatio, Claudius, Gertrude, Palonius, Laertes,
• Act II of Hamlet by William Shakespeare Genre: Report Words: 1129 Focused on: Analysis of Act 2 of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Polonius, Ronaldo, Laertes, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, First Player, Claudius
• The Value of Source Study of Hamlet by Shakespeare Genre: Explicatory Essay Words: 4187 Focused on: How Shakespeare adapted Saxo Grammaticus’s Danish legend on Amleth and altered the key characters Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius, the Ghost, Fortinbras, Horatio, Laertes, Polonius
• Ophelia and Hamlet’s Dialogue in Shakespeare’s Play Genre: Essay Words: 210 Focused on: What the dialogue in Act 3 Scene 1 reveals about Hamlet and Ophelia Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia
• Lying, Acting, Hypocrisy in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Genre: Essay Words: 1313 Focused on: The theme of deception in Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius, Ophelia
• Shakespeare’s Hamlet’s Behavior in Act III Genre: Report Words: 1554 Focused on: Behavior of different characters in Act 3 of Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Polonius
• The Masks of William Shakespeare’s Play “Hamlet” Genre: Research Paper Words: 1827 Focused on: Hamlet’s attitude towards death and revenge Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost
• Ghosts and Revenge in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 895 Focused on: The figure of the Ghost and his relationship with Hamlet Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Gertrude, Claudius
• Macbeth and Hamlet Characters Comparison Genre: Essay Words: 1791 Focused on: Comparison of Gertrude in Hamlet and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth Characters mentioned: Gertrude, Claudius, Hamlet
• Depression and Melancholia Expressed by Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 3319 Focused on: Hamlet’s mental issues and his symptoms Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Laertes, the Ghost, Polonius
• Meditative and Passionate Responses in the Play “Hamlet” Genre: Essay Words: 1377 Focused on: Character of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play and Zaffirelli’s adaptation Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius
• Portrayal of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Play and Zaffirelli’s Film Genre: Essay Words: 554 Focused on: Character of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play and Zaffirelli’s adaptation Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Ophelia
• Hamlet in the Film and the Play: Comparing and Contrasting Genre: Essay Words: 562 Focused on: Comparison of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Zeffirelli’s version of the character Characters mentioned: Hamlet
• Literary Analysis of “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare Genre: Essay Words: 837 Focused on: Symbols, images, and characters of the play Characters mentioned: Hamlet, the Ghost, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia
• Psychiatric Analysis of Hamlet Genre: Essay Words: 1899 Focused on: Hamlet’s mental state and sanity in particular Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Laertes, Polonius
• Hamlet and King Oedipus Literature Comparison Genre: Essay Words: 587 Focused on: Comparison of Hamlet and Oedipus Characters mentioned: Hamlet

Thanks for checking the samples! Don’t forget to open the pages with Hamlet essays that you’ve found interesting. For more information about the play, consider the articles below.

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Summary of Hamlet: A Comprehensive Overview

Hamlet, also known as The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is perhaps William Shakespeare's most famous play, believed to have been written around 1600 and set in Denmark. At its core, the story follows young Prince Hamlet's quest for justice after his uncle Claudius kills Hamlet's father, the King. However, Hamlet is not your typical revenge-driven character. He's complex, grappling with moral questions and constantly questioning his actions.

This inner turmoil makes Hamlet a compelling and relatable character, which is why the play has been retold and adapted countless times, even in popular culture like The Lion King. It's considered a masterpiece of literature, resonating with audiences throughout the ages.

Let's continue reading to explore the main themes and symbolism further with our essay writing service . Whether you're looking for a brief Hamlet summary in 100 words or a more detailed analysis, our seamless breakdown has you covered.

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Hamlet Characters

Let's first delve into a brief character analysis of the key figures in William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Hamlet , the Prince of Denmark, is the son of the late King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude. Returning from his studies, he is confronted with his father's death and his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius. Hamlet's suspicions are confirmed when the ghost of his father appears, revealing Claudius as the culprit behind his murder. This revelation sets Hamlet on a path of vengeance.

King Claudius , the brother of the deceased King Hamlet, seizes power by murdering his brother and marrying Queen Gertrude. He is depicted as cunning and manipulative, driven by base desires. Unlike Hamlet, Claudius acts impulsively without much regard for morality, as seen in his poisoning of King Hamlet before the play begins.

Gertrude , Hamlet's mother, remarries Claudius shortly after King Hamlet's death. Despite the circumstances, she appears unconcerned about her husband's murder, leading Hamlet to resent her.

Polonius , the chief counselor of the King, is the father of Ophelia and Laertes. He is portrayed as an unlikeable character, described by Hamlet as a "tedious old fool." His meddling in Hamlet's affairs ultimately leads to his accidental death at the hands of the prince.

Ophelia , Hamlet's love interest, is Polonius's daughter and Laertes's sister. Despite her affection for Hamlet, she is manipulated by her father and brother, which contributes to her descent into madness and eventual suicide.

The Ghost of Hamlet's Father appears to Hamlet, urging him to seek revenge against Claudius. His appearances throughout the play serve as catalysts for Hamlet's actions.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern , childhood friends of Hamlet, are tasked by Claudius to spy on the prince. However, Hamlet sees through their deception, and they meet their demise at the hands of pirates.

Horatio , described as Hamlet's true friend, is the only character who remains loyal to him. While his background remains unclear, he serves as a steadfast companion to Hamlet and survives the events of the play.

Hamlet Summary

This Hamlet summary offers a concise look at the play's plot, serving as a handy guide. Despite its lengthy and detailed nature, understanding the sequence of events, themes, and symbolism can greatly enhance your essay on Hamlet. Keep reading our Hamlet analysis to discover key themes explored in the play. And while you're at it, don't miss out on the Lord of the Flies book summary for more insights.

Prince Hamlet serves as the central character in the play. Prior to the events of the play, Claudius kills King Hamlet, Hamlet's father, marries Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, and claims the throne.

The setting of the play is the Kingdom of Denmark, which has long been at odds with Norway, fostering fears of invasion. One chilly night, while on patrol, two sentries, Bernardo and Marcellus, along with Hamlet's friend Horatio, encounter the ghost of King Hamlet. They pledge to inform Hamlet about the apparition.

The following day, during the court proceedings presided over by King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, Hamlet is consumed by despair. He struggles to come to terms with his mother's swift marriage to Claudius following his father's death.

Act 1, Scene 2 “A little more than kin and less than kind”

Horatio meets Hamlet and tells him about the ghost, and Hamlet is determined to see it. Elsewhere, during the royal court, we meet Polonius, his son Laertes, and his daughter Ophelia. Polonius says his farewells to Laertes, who is heading off to France, giving him solid fatherly advice:

Act 1, Scene 3 “This above all: to thine own self be true”

Before he leaves, Laertes warns his sister Ophelia to avoid Hamlet and to stop overthinking his attention towards her.

At night, on the ramparts, the ghost appears to Hamlet, and tells him that Claudius is behind is murder. The ghost urges Hamlet to avenge his death and vanishes. Hamlet tells his sentries and Horatio that they must put on an act, acting was if Hamlet had gone mad to disguise his plans for revenge. However, deep inside, Hamlet is unsure of whether to trust this ghost.

The scene opens with Ophelia hurriedly reporting to her father, Polonius, about Hamlet's peculiar behavior. Polonius advises her to ignore Hamlet's advances, attributing his behavior to love-induced madness. He then proceeds to inform King Claudius and Queen Gertrude about Hamlet's demeanor. In the royal chambers, we are introduced to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, childhood friends of Hamlet, whom the king and queen have tasked with investigating Hamlet's odd conduct.

Polonius shares his concerns about Hamlet's behavior and his theory about Hamlet's love interest. He even attempts to converse with Hamlet directly, but Hamlet feigns madness and mocks Polonius. Upon meeting his old friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet quickly discerns their role as spies.

The two acquaintances, having arrived with a troupe of actors, stage a play about the Trojan War at Hamlet's request. Impressed by their performance, Hamlet devises a plan to present another play, 'The Murder of Gonzago,' before Claudius. The plot mirrors the circumstances of King Hamlet's death, and Hamlet hopes to gauge Claudius's reaction to determine his guilt or innocence.

Act 2, Scene 2 “The spirit that I have seen

May be a devil…

I’ll have grounds

More relative than this”

Hamlet does not trust the ghost and seeks firmer evidence against Claudius.

In the next act, we see Polonius forcing Ophelia to return to Hamlet all of his tokens of love and study Hamlet’s reaction. Meanwhile, Hamlet is walking around the halls, giving his famous monologue.

Act 3, Scene 1 “To be or not to be, that is the question

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing, end them.”

Hamlet reflects on the bleakness of life, expressing his belief that suffering outweighs joy and that fear of the unknown prevents people from ending their lives.

When Ophelia returns tokens of love to Hamlet, he reacts with anger, leaving uncertainty about whether his emotions are genuine or if he is merely feigning madness. Claudius observes Hamlet's response and concludes that his madness is not love-induced.

During the performance of "The Murder of Gonzago," organized by Hamlet, he closely watches Claudius and studies his reactions. The play deeply disturbs Claudius, prompting him to abruptly leave and decide to send Hamlet to England. Hamlet, having observed Claudius's response, becomes convinced of his guilt in King Hamlet's murder.

Gertrude summons Hamlet to her chambers in distress. On his way, he encounters Claudius praying. Hamlet decides not to kill Claudius while he is praying, fearing that it would send his soul to heaven.

Upon reaching Gertrude's chambers, Hamlet engages in a heated argument with his mother. Hearing a noise behind a curtain, he impulsively stabs through it, mistakenly killing Polonius, who was hiding there.

The ghost of King Hamlet appears to Hamlet, warning him not to delay his revenge or further distress his mother. As Gertrude cannot see the ghost, she becomes more convinced of Hamlet's madness. The scene concludes with Hamlet dragging Polonius's corpse away.

Gertrude informs Claudius about Hamlet's actions, revealing that he has killed Polonius. In response, Claudius arranges for Hamlet to be sent to England, secretly plotting his demise there. He entrusts Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with a sealed letter for the King of England, ordering Hamlet's execution. However, Hamlet discovers the letter and switches it with a forged one, condemning Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to death instead. Meanwhile, King Fortinbras of Norway is mobilizing his army to invade Poland, crossing through Denmark.

As these events unfold, Ophelia descends into madness following her father's death and Hamlet's rejection. She wanders the countryside, distributing symbolic flowers and speaking in nonsensical rhymes. Her madness escalates until she drowns, though it remains unclear whether her death is accidental or intentional.

Laertes, Ophelia's brother, returns from France and is infuriated by his father's death and his sister's descent into madness. Convinced by Claudius that Hamlet is to blame, Laertes agrees to a plan for revenge. Claudius proposes a fencing match between Laertes and Hamlet, with Laertes wielding a poison-tipped foil. Additionally, Claudius plans to poison Hamlet's wine as a backup measure. However, the match is interrupted by Gertrude's sudden announcement of Ophelia's tragic demise.

In the fifth act, we encounter an iconic scene featuring two gravediggers discussing Ophelia's death or possible suicide while preparing her grave. Hamlet, accompanied by Horatio, joins the conversation and interacts with one of the gravediggers, who presents him with the skull of a jester from Hamlet's childhood. Reflecting on mortality, Hamlet muses, 'Alas, poor Yorick,' contemplating the inevitability of death.

Act 5, Scene 1 “That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once… This might be the pate of a politician, which this ass now o’er-reaches; one that would circumvent God”.

Hamlet reflects on how even those attempting to evade divine punishment cannot escape death's grasp.

As Ophelia's funeral procession approaches with Laertes leading, Hamlet and Horatio conceal themselves. Upon realizing Ophelia's identity, Hamlet reveals himself, leading to a tense confrontation between him and Laertes at the graveside, which is ultimately interrupted.

Back at Elsinore, Hamlet confides in Horatio about his journey, revealing Claudius's plot to have him killed. Hamlet's manipulation of Claudius's letter to ensure the demise of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is disclosed. Soon after, a courtier delivers a fencing challenge to Hamlet, which he accepts despite Horatio's protests.

Before the duel, Hamlet discovers Claudius's bet on his victory, part of a scheme to cover up his attempt on Hamlet's life. Uninterested in earning his uncle's respect, Hamlet proceeds with the match.

During the duel, Hamlet gains the upper hand, prompting Gertrude to raise a toast with the poisoned goblet intended for Hamlet by Claudius. As she drinks, Claudius attempts to intervene, but it's too late. Laertes, realizing the plan is unraveling, wounds Hamlet with the poisoned rapier. In the ensuing struggle, they exchange weapons, and Laertes is also injured by the poisoned blade. Gertrude collapses and succumbs to the poison.

In his final moments, Laertes reconciles with Hamlet, revealing Claudius's treachery. Hamlet, accepting Laertes's apology, rushes to Claudius and kills him.

As Hamlet feels the poison taking hold, he learns of Fortinbras's approach and appoints him as his successor to the throne. Horatio, nearly succumbing to despair, is urged by Hamlet to live and recount their story before Hamlet breathes his last in his friend's arms.

Fortinbras arrives at the palace, where he discovers the entire Danish royal family deceased. Assuming the throne, Fortinbras orders a dignified military funeral for Hamlet, honoring him as a fallen soldier.

Understanding Main Hamlet Themes

There are many themes within this iconic play, causing it to be one of the most discussed pieces of literature ever.

Action vs. Inaction: This theme revolves around Hamlet's internal conflict regarding whether to take action or remain passive. He constantly questions the morality of his decisions, particularly when it comes to seeking revenge for his father's murder. Hamlet's indecision drives discussions on morality throughout the play, ultimately leading to profound contemplations on life and death.

Religion, Honor, and Revenge: In Hamlet, characters often lecture each other on how to behave according to religious and aristocratic values. These values demand honor and justify seeking revenge to uphold one's reputation. However, as the story progresses, Hamlet becomes conflicted by the conflicting moral codes, leading to confusion about what constitutes justice and honorable behavior.

Appearance vs. Reality: This theme highlights the contrast between how things appear and their true nature. Characters in Hamlet often hide their true intentions behind facades, leading to misunderstandings and deception. Everyone is engaged in spying and attempting to decipher each other's true motives, adding layers of complexity to the relationships and events in the play.

Women's Roles: Hamlet's perception of women and their societal roles is explored throughout the play. He harbors a dark view of women, influenced by his mother's actions and his own experiences. Hamlet's disillusionment with women leads him to view them as deceitful and driven by sexual desire, shaping his interactions with female characters like Ophelia and Gertrude.

Historical and Societal Values: Hamlet also delves into broader themes related to historical and societal values prevalent in Elizabethan England. The play offers insights into the codes of conduct and power dynamics of the time, exposing the corruption within the monarchy and reflecting on the moral complexities of society. Through various scenes and characters, Hamlet sheds light on the social and political landscape of its time.

Dissecting Symbolism in Hamlet

This play does contain symbols but does not exaggerate their use. Here are a brief breakdown of the main symbols from our college essay writing service :

The Ghost: The Ghost in Hamlet serves as a symbol of impending doom and unrest in the state of Denmark. It is often interpreted as a harbinger of troubled times and represents the unresolved issues surrounding King Hamlet's death.

Ophelia's Flowers: Ophelia's flowers symbolize her descent into madness and her feelings of betrayal. As she distributes flowers to various characters, each flower carries symbolic meaning, reflecting Ophelia's inner turmoil and cry for help. Shakespeare may also use this symbolism to critique the characters' inability to understand or interpret symbols effectively.

The Skull of the Jester: Perhaps one of the most famous symbols in the play, the skull of the jester represents death, decay, and the futility of human existence. When Hamlet encounters the skull, it prompts reflections on mortality and the transient nature of life.

Poison: Poison serves as a symbol of deceit, betrayal, and corruption throughout the play. Claudius's use of poison to murder King Hamlet foreshadows the tragic events that unfold. The innocent-looking fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes, tainted by poisoned blades and wine, underscores the pervasive corruption within the royal family.

Weather: Shakespeare utilizes the weather as a symbolic element to set the mood and foreshadow events. Bad weather often serves as an omen of impending trouble or unrest, while good weather symbolizes hope or positive developments. However, these symbols can be ambiguous and prone to overinterpretation, serving primarily to enhance the atmosphere of the play.

For an in-depth look at the symbolism, check our article: WHAT IS SYMBOLISM? REVIEWING EXAMPLES IN LITERATURE .

Final Words

In wrapping up, we hope this summary of Hamlet has shed light on its timeless brilliance, offering you valuable insights into its themes and symbolism. As one of Shakespeare's most celebrated works, Hamlet continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of morality, deception, and the human condition. And remember, you can always buy essay writing service from us whenever you need them.

We trust that our breakdown has provided clarity and depth, empowering students to engage more deeply with this iconic play. For those eager for more literary exploration, be sure to check out our Pride and Prejudice summary . Happy reading!

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William Shakespeare

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When the sentinel Marcellus speaks the line “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” after seeing the ghost of the former King Hamlet, he is speaking to a broadly-held societal superstition. In medieval times and the Middle Ages—the era in which Hamlet is set—the majority of people believed that the health of a nation was connected to the legitimacy of its king.  As Hamlet endeavors to discover—and root out—the “rotten” core of Denmark, he grows increasingly disgusted and perturbed by literal manifestations of death as well as “deaths” of other kinds: those of honor, decency, and indeed the state of Denmark as he once knew it. Ultimately, Shakespeare suggests a connection between external rot and internal, systemic rot, arguing that physical corruption portends and even predicts the poisoning of spiritual, political, and social affairs.

An atmosphere of poison, corruption, and death lingers over Hamlet from the play’s very first moments. The citizens of Denmark—both within the castle of Elsinore and beyond its walls—know that there is something “rotten” in their state. Marcellus, Barnardo , and Francisco —three watchmen at Elsinore—greet one another as they arrive for their nightly watch with hesitation, suspicion, and even skittishness, and soon the source of their anxiety becomes clear: an apparition of the recently-deceased King Hamlet has appeared on the castle walls several times in the last week. The ghost can hardly portend anything good, and as Hamlet and Horatio decide to investigate the apparition and its purpose, they learn that there is indeed a deep corruption at the heart of Denmark’s throne: Claudius , King Hamlet’s brother, murdered him and took his throne. The political corruption which has overtaken Denmark so disturbs Hamlet that he develops, as the play goes on, an obsession with physical corruption—with rot, decay, and the disgusting nature of death.

Throughout the play, Hamlet’s fixation with rot and corruption—both of the body and of the soul—reflects his (and his society’s) conflation of the spoilage of the outside with the deterioration of the inside. In Act 2, Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he sees the beauty of the world around him as nothing but a “foul and pestilent congregation of vapors,” demonstrating his inability to look past the nasty, foul truths which have recently been exposed to him. Thinking so much about his father’s death has given Hamlet’s thoughts an existential bent, but there is a deeper, darker pessimism that has overtaken his mind, as well—one which manifests as a preoccupation with disease and foulness. When confronting his mother Gertrude about her marriage to Claudius, his father’s murderer, he calls Claudius a “mildewed” man and refers to the “rank sweat” of their “enseamèd [marriage] bed.” Pestilence, rot, mold, and decay are never far from Hamlet’s mind—and this obsession reflects his larger anxieties about the deteriorating health not just of himself or his family, but of their very nation. After killing Polonius , Hamlet hides the man’s body in a place where, he warns Claudius, it will soon become food for the worms and begin to stink up the castle. Hamlet knows that just as bodies putrefy and grow rancid, so too does subterfuge and foul play. His obsession with rotting things shows that he truly believes Claudius’s “foul deeds” will soon reveal themselves—with or without Hamlet’s own help.

When Hamlet finds the skull of Yorick , a former court jester, while paying a visit to the graveyard just beyond the walls of Elsinore, he is flung into an existential despair—and one of the play’s most profound moments of reckoning with the finality (and the foulness) of death and decay unfolds. As Hamlet laments that all the parts of Yorick he knew in life—the man’s “infinite jest,” warmth, and geniality, but also his physical attributes, such as his tongue and his flesh—are gone forever, he realizes that all men, be they formidable leaders like Alexander the Great or a lowly fool, return to “dust.” Hamlet is both disturbed and soothed by the specifics of the body’s process of decay, and even asks the gravediggers working in the yard for detailed descriptions of how long, exactly, it takes for flesh to rot off of human bones. Hamlet’s continued fixation on the undignified but inescapable process of dying and decay shows that he feels incapable of stopping whatever is festering at the heart of Denmark—and indeed, in the end, a foreign leader named Fortinbras is the only one left to take over the Danish throne after Hamlet, Claudius, Laertes , and Gertrude all perish. Denmark had to rot in order to flourish—just as human flesh decays and fertilizes the ground beneath which it lies.

Shakespeare creates a gloomy, poisonous atmosphere throughout Hamlet in order to argue that there is a profound connection between internal rot and external decay. As the state of Denmark suffers political corruption, Shakespeare invokes another kind of corruption—rotting, fouling, and putrefying—to suggest that a corrupt state is just as odious as a decaying corpse.

Poison, Corruption, Death ThemeTracker

Poison, Corruption, Death Quotes in Hamlet

O, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew.

Thrift, thrift, Horatio! The funeral baked meats Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

O, villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!

What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form, in moving how express and admirable; in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god: the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

To be or not to be—that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And, by opposing, end them.

Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me…

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below; Words without thoughts never to heaven go.

CLAUDIUS: What dost thou mean by this?

HAMLET: Nothing but to show you how a king may go a progress through the guts of a beggar.

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio—a fellow of infinite jest… Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar?

We defy augury. There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, ’tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come. The readiness is all.

Flower Symbolism In Hamlet Essay

Shakespeare, whose oeuvre was primarily developed between 1590 and 1613, was heavily influenced by these Ancient Greek philosophies as well as the aforementioned religious theologies that were favored during the time. However, in addition to being influenced by these ideas, Shakespeare can be seen as transcending these bounds and coming to unique conclusions regarding nature and its relationship to the human experience. This assertion can be best established by studying the play Hamlet, which is remarkably revealing in terms of these concepts.

The lush vegetation and vibrant floral elements that pervade Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, often become the focus of both solemn rituals, revealing and magnifying the nature of central characters whose thoughts and motives would otherwise remain obscured. Additionally, the metaphor of Denmark as an unkempt garden establishes a distinct relationship between the health of a nation to the well-being of the soil upon which it resides. Lastly, Shakespeare uses his characters’ words and actions to ponder the ability of natural philosophy to fully explain profound subjects such as death and insanity.

One of the most significant incidents occurring in Hamlet, during which symbolic representations of the natural world were used to elucidate the psychological and behavioral characteristics of characters within the play, is the bizarre, beautiful and tragic scene in which Ophelia presents flowers to members of the Danish court. The characters addressed by Ophelia are Laertes, King Claudius, Queen Gertrude. In this almost dreamlike sequence, Ophelia enters – entrenched in a whimsical madness – and sings a song before speaking; “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.

Pray love, remember. And there is pansies, that’s for thoughts… There’s fennel for you, and columbines. There’s rue for you, and here’s some for me. We may call it herb-grace o’ Sundays. O, you must wear your rue with a difference. There’s a daisy. I would give you some violets, but they withered all when my father died. They say a made a good end. ” (IV. v. 173-181) Though the lines leave much ambiguity regarding who receives which flowers, the traditional symbolic meaning associated with each flower provides ample nformation with which to speculate.

Along with the meanings stated explicitly in Ophelia’s speech, “columbines were associated with ingratitude or marital infidelity, fennel with flattery…rue is associated with repentance…[violets] represented faithfulness; daisies could symbolize dissembling seduction. (Greenblatt et al. , 1997). ” Given these guidelines, and the context we have for each character, the recipients of each flower can be inferred. Rosemary is given to Hamlet who, though not present during the scene, is conjured in Ophelia’s mind.

Also, Laertes is given pansies, fennel and columbine to King Claudius, and rue to the Queen. Each of these flowers represents the nature of each recipient and lends insight their behaviors and characteristics. This concept of how the perception of the natural world is altered by personal perception is in line with the Protestant natural philosophy during Shakespeare’s time, in that it encourages human beings to impose their own interpretations upon the natural world.

However, this idea rails against the way that natural philosophy was evolving towards positivism, given its acceptance of subjectivity by way of Ophelia’s bias. The idea is predictive of American Romanticism and Transcendentalism in the late 1800s in a sense, due to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s similar belief that “nature always wears the color of the spirit. (Emerson, 1836). Shakespeare, though influenced by the beliefs and values of his times, also presented ideas that were ahead of his time and perhaps predictive, if not directly influential, on future philosophical and literary traditions.

In addition to the scene in which Ophelia distributes flowers to characters present in the Danish court, the consistent allusions to Denmark resembling an unkempt garden plagued with weeds serve to draw a connection between humanity’s role as cultivators of civilization and their parallel role as stewards of the natural environment. The most direct quote that addresses this concept was spoken by Hamlet while addressing King Claudius and Queen Gertrude. In this scene, Hamlet is responding to accusations that his mourning period for his father has gone on long enough.

In reference to Denmark, Hamlet state, “‘Tis an unweeded garden that grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature possess it merely (I. ii. 135-137). ” This metaphor conjures up the image of human society as a garden that must be carefully maintained by those in power. The natural environment, being used to illustrate the rise and fall of the human construct of society, highlights the way that the two are intertwined. The frequent allusions to the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden are also related to this concept.

An example of this is when the ghost is describing the late King’s murder, “Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, a serpent stung me. (I. v. 42-47)” This incorporation of a biblical story serves to draw a parallel between humanity’s fall from paradise and the ruination of Denmark, both resulting from a sinful act. This supports the traditional philosophical belief held by the Catholic tradition that defying the will of God leads to disastrous consequences.

Though Shakespeare’s two intertwining philosophies – the relationship between the natural world and human emotion and behavior, and the interdependency that exists between the natural and the built environment – both maintain a significant amount in common with the pre-existing traditions offered by the Ancient Greek, Catholic and Protestant philosophies, one of the starkest ways that Shakespeare deviates from these norms is in his willingness to abandon positivism. This can be seen through examining the ways that characters question their ability to fully comprehend deeply tragic or perplexing phenomena, such as death and madness.

The primary quote in which this sentiment is discussed is during the scene in which Hamlet and Horatio encounter the ghost and seek to rationalize it by drawing from their earthly experiences. However, Hamlet states “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy. (I. v. 167-168). ” This statement runs counter to the idea that all occurrences can be explained using logic and reasoning. While Hamlet could be showing early signs of insanity, the supernatural could actually be present.

This moment of ambiguity is poignant because, regardless of whether the apparition is real or imagined, its appearance still has an immense influence on the play. Another moment that supports this concept is Gertrude’s description of Ophelia’s death; “Therewith fantastic garlands did she make Of crow-flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples, That liberal shepherds give a grosser name, But our cold maids do dead men’s fingers call them.

There on the pendent boughs her crownet weeds, Clamb’ring to hand, and envious sliver broke…” (IV. ii. 139-144) The inclusion of floral imagery serves to obscure the nature of Ophelia’s death with a euphemistic illusion of rich botanical splendor. This demonstrates that when logic and reason fail, such as when one is confronted with something as confounding and tragic as a suicide, relying on something beautiful and abstract as a way to cope is preferable to facing the objective truth. In this scene, Shakespeare reaches the conclusion that some truths are not worth divulging if they are harmful or oppressive to the spirit.

In this way, his views truly demonstrate the discordance between Ancient Greek philosophy, specifically Plutarchian, and scientific revolution mentality. In conclusion, Hamlet is an ideal lens with which to view the changing sentiments regarding natural philosophy during the turn of the 16th century. Written between 1599 and 1601, the play is extraordinarily illustrative of the conflicting influences of traditional Ancient Greek Philosophy, enduring Catholic and Protestant theology, and the burgeoning scientific revolution.

Botanical and natural symbolism and imagery highlight his adherence and deviations from these trends in that they draw connections between the natural world and the thoughts and motives of central character, they establish a relationship between the health of a nation to the well-being of the soil upon which it resides, and they highlight the harsh dichotomy between philosophies in terms of how to approach profound subjects such as death and insanity.

Understanding this transitional period in the history of natural philosophy is important because it was a pivotal moment in establishing the modern perspective on scientific and humanistic thought. Observing the way that Shakespeare produced an enduring piece of literature in such a philosophically tumultuous period is encouraging from a modern standpoint, given the contemporary conflict between art and science. Following Shakespeare’s example, unifying traditional philosophical principles with modern empirically driven reasoning is not only possible, but necessary in order to truly express the depth of the human spirit.

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The Power of Dramatic Irony in Literature

This essay is about the literary device of dramatic irony, explaining how it creates suspense and emotional engagement by letting the audience know more than the characters. Examples include Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” where the audience knows the tragic fate awaiting the lovers, and Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” where readers understand the racism influencing the story before Scout does. The essay also discusses the use of dramatic irony in films like “Psycho” and TV shows like “Breaking Bad,” as well as in comedies and other genres. It highlights how dramatic irony enhances storytelling by deepening themes and intensifying the audience’s connection to the narrative.

How it works

The literary technique known as dramatic irony holds significant sway in the repertoire of playwrights and authors, serving as a potent instrument for crafting suspense, enriching emotional involvement, and offering readers a distinct vantage point on the narrative’s unfolding. At its essence, dramatic irony ensues when the audience possesses superior knowledge about a situation or a character’s intentions compared to the characters themselves within the tale. This chasm in awareness fosters moments of heightened anticipation and emotional intricacy, as readers or spectators comprehend the repercussions of actions and occurrences unbeknownst to the characters.

Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” stands as one of the most illustrious exemplars of dramatic irony. Throughout the play, the audience is keenly cognizant of the tragic destiny awaiting the star-crossed lovers, while Romeo and Juliet themselves cling to hope regarding their shared future. This prescient awareness casts a pall over every interaction, imbuing even their most jubilant moments with an aura of impending catastrophe. When Juliet imbibes a potion to simulate her demise, the audience understands her continued vitality, a truth eluding Romeo. Consequently, his subsequent demise resonates all the more profoundly as we discern the tragic miscommunication at play. Shakespeare’s adept manipulation of dramatic irony not only amplifies the emotional resonance of the narrative but also underscores the thematic motifs of destiny and calamity pervading the drama.

In contemporary literature, dramatic irony endures as a vital narrative tool. Consider Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” wherein readers are privy to the entrenched racism influencing the story’s events long before the protagonist, Scout Finch, comprehends its full extent. This foreknowledge enables readers to discern the injustices and societal deficiencies that Scout is only beginning to discern, thereby heightening engagement with the narrative and fostering deeper empathy for the characters.

Dramatic irony finds effective expression in the realm of cinema and television as well. In Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” viewers possess insight into Norman Bates’ true persona and the presence of his deceased mother long before the film’s protagonist, Marion Crane, uncovers the truth. This awareness engenders a tension-laden viewing experience, as viewers anticipate the moment when the harrowing reality will be laid bare to the characters on screen. Hitchcock’s adept utilization of dramatic irony keeps the audience on tenterhooks, accentuating the psychological thriller elements of the film and securing its status as a genre classic.

A modern instance of dramatic irony is evident in the television series “Breaking Bad.” Throughout the series, viewers are cognizant of Walter White’s descent into criminality and his dual existence long before his family and associates grasp the full extent of his actions. This engenders a perpetual undercurrent of tension, as viewers anticipate the inevitable confrontations and reckonings that will ensue as the truth comes to light. The dramatic irony in “Breaking Bad” not only serves to cultivate suspense but also imbues Walter’s character with layers of complexity, juxtaposing his outward persona with his clandestine deeds.

Furthermore, dramatic irony serves as a comedic device, generating humorous scenarios. In Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” characters frequently find themselves embroiled in situations where the audience discerns the true identities and motives behind various deceptions. This insight enables the audience to revel in the absurdity and wit of the characters’ interactions, heightening the comedic aspects of the play.

In addition to augmenting suspense and levity, dramatic irony can elucidate the themes and ethical quandaries within a narrative. In George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” readers swiftly realize that the pigs who spearhead the rebellion against human oppressors are mirroring the tyrants they supplanted. This irony underscores the novel’s commentary on authority, corruption, and the cyclical nature of subjugation, imbuing the story’s message with greater poignancy and intellectual stimulation.

Dramatic irony remains a versatile and potent technique in the storyteller’s arsenal. By endowing the audience with insights eluding the characters, writers and directors can forge deeper emotional connections, heighten suspense, and facilitate a richer comprehension of their themes and motifs. Whether in classic literature, contemporary novels, or visual media, dramatic irony continues to enthrall and engage audiences, attesting to its enduring efficacy in the craft of storytelling.

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The Best Films of 2024, So Far

Our critics pick nine films that they think are worth your time on this long holiday weekend.

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By The New York Times

Looking for a good movie to pass the time this Memorial Day weekend? The New York Times’s chief film critic, Manohla Dargis, and movie critic, Alissa Wilkinson, have you covered. Here are their top picks for the year so far. All are in theaters or available on demand.

In theaters; June 7 on Netflix .

The story: Glen Powell is a philosophy professor who moonlights for the police in New Orleans when he finds himself undercover posing as a hit man in this Richard Linklater movie. An encounter with Madison (Adria Arjona), a housewife looking to hire him, raises the stakes, comedically and romantically.

Alissa Wilkinson’s take: “If I see a movie more delightful than “Hit Man” this year, I’ll be surprised. It’s the kind of romp people are talking about when they say that “they don’t make them like they used to”: It’s romantic, sexy, hilarious, satisfying and a genuine star-clinching turn for Glen Powell, who’s been having a moment for about two years now.” Read the review.

‘Civil War’

In theaters.

The story: Set in the near future, “Civil War” depicts a United States that has devolved into conflict between the Western Forces of California and Texas (yeah, yeah, we know) and the federal government. As photojournalists played by Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny make their way to Washington, D.C., they encounter dangerous and unsettling scenes, painting a disturbing portrait of America in this Alex Garland drama.

Manohla Dargis’s take: “Hollywood’s longstanding, deeply American imperative for happy endings maintains an iron grip on movies, even in ostensibly independent productions. There’s no such possibility for that in ‘Civil War.’ The very premise of Garland’s movie means that … a happy ending is impossible, which makes this very tough going. Rarely have I seen a movie that made me so acutely uncomfortable or watched an actor’s face that, like Dunst’s, expressed a nation’s soul-sickness so vividly that it felt like an X-ray.” Read the review.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

The story: Picking up generations after the last trilogy ended, Wes Ball’s action-adventure follows Noa (Owen Teague) after his clan has been attacked. On his own now, he meets up with Raka, a disciple of Caesar, the leader in the earlier movies, as well as a mute human (Freya Allen).

Alissa Wilkinson’s take: “‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is set in the future, but like a lot of science fiction … there’s a knowing sense that all this has happened before, and all this will happen again. That’s what makes ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ powerful, in the end. It probes how the act of co-opting idealisms and converting them to dogmas has occurred many times over.” Read the review.

‘Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World’

Stream it on Mubi ; rent or buy it on most major platforms .

The story: In Radu Jude’s scathing comedy, a foulmouthed production assistant named Angela (Ilinca Manolache) drives around Bucharest, Romania, looking for injured workers to interview for a workplace safety video.

Manohla Dargis’s take: “As she changes gears, and the movie switches between black-and-white film and color video, Angela flips off other drivers, acidly critiques all that she encounters, creates TikTok videos and effectively maps the geopolitical landscape of contemporary Romania.” Read the review.

‘Late Night With the Devil’

Stream it on Shudder ; also rent or buy it on most major platforms .

The story: In this horror show from the brothers Cameron and Colin Cairnes, David Dastmalchian is a Johnny Carson-like late-night host desperate for ratings and awards. The film purports to be the footage of the episode that “shocked a nation.”

Alissa Wilkinson’s take: People watch late-night TV “to laugh, to be entertained and to feel some kind of companionship when the rest of the world goes to bed. ‘Late Night With the Devil’ twists that camaraderie around on itself, layering in familiar 1970s horror tropes about demonic possession, Satanism and the occult. The result is a nasty and delicious, unapologetic pastiche with a flair for menace. I had a blast.” Read the review.

‘Evil Does Not Exist’

The story: In a rural hamlet outside Tokyo, a developer tries to sell skeptical locals on the benefits of a glamping resort. As the residents push back against the prospect of tourism upending their quiet rhythms, the developer’s representatives come to see their point of view in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s deceptive drama.

Manohla Dargis’s take: “I have watched ‘Evil Does Not Exist’ twice, and each time the stealthy power of Hamaguchi’s filmmaking has startled me anew. Some of my reaction has to do with how he uses fragments from everyday life to build a world that is so intimate and recognizable — filled with faces, homes and lives as familiar as your own — that the movie’s artistry almost comes as a shock.” Read the review.

‘Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus’

The story: In this documentary from Neo Sora, the influential Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto plays his entire final concert. It was filmed in a studio with only the crew watching.

Alissa Wilkinson’s take: “Even for the viewer without much knowledge of Sakamoto’s work, ‘Opus’ holds its own as the rare cinematic space for contemplation. There’s no context given, no attempt to create a narrative. Instead, the visual space is carefully filmed and the lighting manipulated to subtly shift the mood.” Read the review.

‘Io Capitano’

Rent or buy it on most major platforms .

The story: Matteo Garrone’s drama tracks Seydou and Moussa, two Senegalese cousins (Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall), as they try to reach the West on a journey that takes them through the Sahara to a brutal stay in Libya, and then eventually to the edge of the Mediterranean.

Manohla Dargis’s take: “Garrone doesn’t spare you much, but if the movie never turns into an exercise in art-house sadism, it’s because his focus remains unwaveringly fixed on his characters who, from the start, are fully rounded people, not props, symbols or object lessons. … His great strength here is the tenderness of his touch.” Read the review.

‘La Chimera’

Rent on most major platforms .

The story: In Alice Rohrwacher’s 1980s-set tale, Josh O’Connor is Arthur, a tomb raider in rural Italy who pines for his missing lover. Through her mother, Flora (Isabella Rossellini), he meets a music student, Italia (Carol Duarte).

Manohla Dargis’s take: “‘La Chimera’ sneaks up on you. Rohrwacher is a discreet virtuoso with a visual style that is appealing and demonstrably unshowy. She likes to crowd the frame, yet does so coherently, and while she uses different film formats throughout to indicate distinct moments and spaces, she doesn’t make a fuss about it. She reveals beauty rather than pummels you with it.” Read the review.

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