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, iiii, 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, iii, 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.