How Does Claudius Use Poison In Hamlet

In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, poison, both literal and metaphorical, finds its way to seep into the characters throughout the play. When a body is at its weakest, it runs the risk of danger. The same goes for the kingdom of Denmark. As Denmark searches for a solution to their demise, they look at Claudius as a way to solve their problems. Little do they know, he is the real cause. Claudius is killing the kingdom of Denmark with his literal and metaphorical use of poison, which is his Machiavellian essence. The action of spying and convincing by Claudius metaphorically poisons characters around him. Another metaphorical use, revenge and honor, poisons the mind to make choices they otherwise would not. In his literal use of poison,

He wanted power, and the only way to get it was by poisoning King Hamlet in the ear. As told by the ghost, "In the porches of my ears did pour the leprous distilment; whose effect holds such an enmity with blood of man that swift as quicksilver it courses through the natural gates and alleys of the body," (I.v.70-75). Claudius and Laertes plan on killing Hamlet with poison. Laertes and Hamlet are scheduled to duel each other. In other times, this would be seen as an innocent fencing match; though, this was not innocent. Laertes was to have a poisoned sword, so if pricked, Hamlet would die instantly. If Hamlet were to win, they would have a backup chalice with poisoned wine. As Laertes and Hamlet duel, Gertrude takes a sip of the wine, not knowing it was poisoned. Claudius then says "It is the poisoned cup. It is too late," (V.ii.319). She dies shortly after taking the sip. She only died from drinking the wine because Claudius had the Machiavellian mission to kill Hamlet, and preserve his power, no matter what came his way. Hamlet is then hit with Laertes' sword, he explains "O, I die, Horatio! The potent poison quite o'ercrows my spirit," (V.ii.389-390). Claudius has achieved just what he wanted, the eventual death of Hamlet, but Hamlet still had to avenge his father. Hamlet takes the sword and stabs Laertes, eventually killing him. This is even better for Claudius, now not even Laertes can tell anyone it was Claudius' idea to kill Hamlet, Claudius' luck ends here. Hamlet then stabs Claudius and makes him drink the leftover poisoned wine. Hamlet has finally accomplished his revenge for his father. Claudius was killed by his own Machiavellian ways. His power started and ended because of the same event, King Hamlet's