Imagery of Disease in Hamlet by William Shakespeare Essay

Imagery of Disease in Hamlet by William Shakespeare The disease imagery in Hamlet serves to constantly remind the reader of the initial problem in the play: King Hamlets poisoning by his brother. After hearing his father graphically describe the murder, it is constantly on Hamlets mind. For this reason, many of the images that Hamlet creates in the play are connected with disease and poison. The literal poisoning becomes symbolic of the rest of the events of the play. Remember that poisoning through the ear can be taken literally or figuratively (through speech and lies). Look at Poloniuss conversation with Ophelia about Hamlet, Claudius lies to Laertes and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. There are examples of decay imagery†¦show more content†¦Also, he said that it was questionable whether Ophelia took her own life, or accidentially fell in the water. I wanted to respond to Toms posting on Christian imagery in Hamlet. I thought he brought up some interesting points that I had overlooked in my reading. The idea of the Ghost of Hamlet as a parallel to the Holy Ghost is obvious to me. I agree with Tom in his description of what the Holy Ghost (spirit) is meant to be to us Christains. Along those same lines, the Ghost of Hamlet seems to have the same purpose in this play. He speaks to Hamlet without ever saying a word. He seems to guide him in his quest to revenge his death. Just as Christians are taught to feel the presence of the Holy Ghost, Hamlet feels the presence of his fathers Ghost. In the scene where he is argueing with Gertrude, Hamlet stops when he feels his fathers ghost. I believe he indeed felt his presence before he say him. There is no evidence in the text to support my claim, but it is just an interpretation I have. Another reference I like is our saviours birth is celebrated, (1672, line 140). This also to me shows how King Hamlet is often viewed as Christ-like. 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