How Does Shakespeare Present Corruption In Hamlet

Many authors write novels with various themes portrayed throughout it to convey several messages to the reader. Each theme is important on its own because many different aspects of the story can tie into it. William Shakespeare, the author of Hamlet, shows the corruption of Denmark as an important and consistent theme in the drama. Throughout the drama, Shakespeare uses the mental and physical poison to convey the corruption of Denmark which ultimately leads to the deaths of most inhabitants in Denmark. Mental poison is an important factor for the corruption of Denmark. King Claudius is a very manipulative character in the drama. In Act 1 Scene 2, Claudius says, “It shows a will most incorrect to heaven, A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,

He wants Hamlet to get over the death of his father rather quickly so that there will be no lingering minds about King Hamlets true death. Not only is he trying to manipulate Hamlet, but also his mother. The Ghost says, “ Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts—O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power So to seduce!—won to his shameful lust The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen.” (Lines 42-46). By being able to seduce Gertrude, Hamlets mother, he is able to control her mind into believing that whatever he says is the best thing to do. He tricks her to believing that he loves Hamlet and wants what is best for Him. He convinces Gertrude that Hamlet should be exiled back to England for his own well-being, for his safety. King Claudius then calls upon

King Hamlet is the first to have been killed by a poisonous bite. King Claudius is trying to keep everyone into believing that story, but the King’s ghost did not let Hamlet let on to the lie any longer. Hamlet discovers that the true reason for his father’s death is because King Claudius put poison in his ear! The second death caused by poison is then Gertrude. King Claudius has convinced Laertes and Hamlet to duel each other. While they are dueling Gertrude drank poisoned wine that is meant for Hamlet. King Claudius warns her not to drink it but she replies with, “I will, my lord. I pray you, pardon me,” (Line 287). It seems she knows what she is doing, but Shakespeare did not directly let the readers know why she drank the deathly poison. After her quick death, Hamlet then stabs King Claudius and forces him to drink a cup of poison. Hamlet angrily says, “Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damnèd Dane, Drink off this potion. Is thy union here? Follow my mother,” (Lines 320-322). Laertes laying wounded on the ground reaches out to Hamlet and asks for his forgiveness and quickly passes. Hamlet then replies to him and also forgives him and tells him he will then see him in heaven soon. Before Hamlet dies he tells Horatio, who is still alive that he witnessed the truth and he must let the story be