Imagery Of Hamlet

2 Pages 459 Words

The imagery in Hamlet is composed of disease and decay. The image of disease is used to show the state of Denmark and the feelings of hatred between Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude. The image of decay describes Hamlet’s depression and his hatred for Claudius. The imagery in Hamlet is used to convey the bitter relationships between characters and allow a deeper understanding of the characters’ emotions.
The image of disease shows the emotions the characters feel and the bitter relationships between them. Claudius has a great hatred for his nephew, Hamlet, and feels his life is at risk by Hamlet. When Claudius is talking to Gertrude after the death of Polonius he states, “But like the owner of a foul disease to keep it from divulging let it feed even on the pith of life.” He is saying that he is the owner of a foul disease (Hamlet). Claudius’s comparison of Hamlet to a disease shows his hatred for his nephew. This use of imagery highlights the poor relationship that exists between the two.
The image of disease is also used by Hamlet to explain how he feels about his mother sleeping with his uncle. “There is something rotten in the state of Denmark…It will but skin and film the ulcerous place whiles rank corruption, mining all within, infects unseen.” This image of disease shows the disgust Hamlet feels with his mother, uncle, and surroundings.
The image of decay is used to help comprehend the depression Hamlet feels in his first soliloquy about suicide. “O that this too sullied flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve, itself into a dew.” Hamlet is communicating that he wishes not to exist in the world anymore. An image of Hamlet’s flesh rotting and combining with the soil is produced. This use of imagery helps to convey Hamlet’s true emotions. His pain and his yearn for death is shown through the image of decay.
Hamlet’s great hatred for Claudius can also be shown through the image of decay. He says to the...