hip with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, as well as Laertes. Claudius easily influences Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who 'soak up the king's countenance, his rewards, his authorities'. Upon his return, Laertes is also abased by Claudius who is willing to risk his damnation for revenge (Act IV, Scene 7, Line 27).
             Although Shakespeare predominantly presents Claudius' rottenness through his actions, imagery is also used to emphasise Claudius' rotten nature. 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".
             Polonius is first presents himself as somewhat of a gentleman. His advice to Laertes appears to be true and righteous, and we are led to believe the same is true of his character. However, we soon are presented with Polonius' more siniste
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