Hamlet Corruption Quotes Analysis

Moral corruption will result in the tragic downfall of the characters involved. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the moral corruption that occurs between the family members result in their ruin. Evidence of this is shown through the relationship between Hamlet and Claudius, Hamlet and Gertrude, and Ophelia and Polonius.

The relationship between Hamlet and Claudius is troubled. They both wish death upon the other. When Hamlet finds out about the murder through his father’s ghost, he vows to avenge his father’s and kill Claudius for his immoral act. “But know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father’s life Now wears his crown.” (1.5.38-40) In this quote, Hamlet is confronted by the ghost of his father stating that he was murdered by his

When Claudius finds out that Hamlet knows about his shameful act, he demands Hamlet to be killed. Claudius knows that although Hamlet was crazy, he had a great influence on the people of Denmark, which may result in Hamlet exposing Claudius to the people of Denmark of his sinful acts to receive the crown. “As checking at his voyage, and that he means No more to undertake it, I will work him To an exploit, now ripe in my devise, Under the which he shall not choose but fall.” (4.7.60-63) Claudius supports Laertes and decides that Hamlet should be killed in a duel with Laertes. Prior to the duel, Claudius will have Laertes sword sharpened as well as a poisonous oil on the tip, killing anyone simply scratched by it. “The king shall drink to Hamlet’s better breath, And in the cup an union shall he throw Richer than that which four successive kings In Denmark’s crown have worn” (5.2.258-261) In this scene,