Hamlet

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” As Hamlet progresses, Shakespeare reveals the true scope of this rottenness, which extends to almost every character in the play. The all pervasive rottenness present in Elsinore is portrayed by Shakespeare both through the actions of his characters and through the language and imagery used. Rottenness, as referred to by Horatio, refers to moral, social and political corruption. In the context of Hamlet, the word 'rotten' incorporates all of these meaning.

The idea that 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark' is first presented in Act I as two issues; the murder of the late King Hamlet and the incestuous marriage of Claudius and Gertrude. In the following acts we learn that 'rotten' also refers to many other issues and characters, a rottenness often graphically portrayed by Shakespeare’s use of imagery and themes.

As with most of the characters in Hamlet, the word rotten applies to Claudius in many ways. His murder of the late king Hamlet and his subsequent marriage to Gertrude, actions that occur before the play begins, assert Claudius' rotten or evil character. Throughout the rest of the play, Claudius constantly affirms his evil character through his actions, thus

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Upon his return, Laertes is also abased by Claudius who is willing to risk his damnation for revenge (Act IV, Scene 7, Line 27). This manifests itself in Hamlet through his actions.

Lying, spying and cross plotting appear second nature to the wily counsellor.

Polonius is first presents himself as somewhat of a gentleman. ” The ghost of Hamlet’s father also notices Gertrude’s rottenness, “those thorns that in her bosom lodge to prick and sting her. This rottenness stems from the evil deeds of Claudius and is spread across the entire court, effecting even innocents such as Ophelia. This language helps to reinforce the concept that something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Hamlet also indirectly causes the death of Ophelia by denying her his love. Hamlet refers to Claudius a weed that chokes the garden and warns Gertrude not to “spread the compost on the weeds, To make them ranker”.

From Gertrude’s apparent lack of sympathy for her husband’s death, we can suppose that she has been having an affair with Claudius. The Ghost has not come to cleanse Denmark of ‘rottenness’ with forgiveness or knowledge from the next world, but to spur Hamlet on to revenge and possible damnation. " The Ghost warned Hamlet not to take revenge on Gertrude, ". ” Laertes merely a pawn, infected by the corruption present in Elsinore. Hamlet’s own rottenness causes her to descend into a state of madness, eventually leading to her own suicide.

Approximate Word count = 1473
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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