Corruption In Hamlet Essay

676 Words3 Pages
Shakespeare has obscured yet strategically placed characters’ actions, dialogues and metaphoric language to demonstrate corruption as well as both physical and psychological deterioration within Hamlet. Throughout Shakespeare’s tragedy – Hamlet, characters exhibited relations concerning the virtuous validity of a leader and the well being of Denmark. Denmark is persistently being labeled as a body (state) that’s become hostile by the moral corruption of Claudius, Polonius, Laertes and the existence of the ghost-King Hamlet as a mystic prophecy signifying “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (1.4.67). This remark by Marcellus foreshadows the events of corruption in Denmark hence its new ruler- Claudius. The ghost was depicted as…show more content…
His immorality is shown before the tragedy starts; the development is exposed to the audience. Polonius’s personality surfaces as controlling hence he orders Laertes- “These few precepts in thy memory/ Look thou character” (1.3.63). This quote basically demands Laertes to make sure he learns the guidance provided. Polonius is shown to dominate when he sets a guideline on how Laertes must act. Polonius’ list identifies his own awareness of narcissism- considering what he declares is true. Afterwards he interferes as he traitorously sets spies on his son- Laertes and suggests ideas placing him to be the ultimate omniscient character within the play. Polonius is rude towards Ophelia- “Affection? Pooh! You speak like a green girl, Unsifted in such perilous circumstance, Do you believe his tenders, as you call them?. . . I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth, have you so slander and moment leisure As to give works or talk with the Lord Hamlet. Look to't, I charge you. Come your ways. (1.3.106-140). When Polonius mentions “puh” it implies disrespect aimed at Ophelia for being gullible by believing Hamlet’s love. Polonius also thinks of Ophelia as a child incapable of making decisions hence his word choice “green girl” and “baby”. The treatment upon Ophelia can also blame gender roles in a male-controlled society. When Polonius suggested being the individual to hide behind the curtain during Gertrude and Hamlet’s private conversation, and was killed when Hamlet mistook him as Claudius, Hamlet referred to him as “Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell. I took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune. Thou find’st to be too busy is some danger.” (2.4.32-35). This quote is basically saying Polonius is a low-life, meddlesome, gossip fool, and that he got what he deserved hence he was

More about Corruption In Hamlet Essay

Open Document