Language Techniques in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

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Language Techniques in Hamlet by William Shakespeare Shakespeare used a variety of language techniques throughout Hamlet,

which contribute to the themes in the play. They also help to add

more meaning and understanding for the audience. Soliloquies, word

play, symbols and other figurative language are some of these

important techniques that enhance Hamlet. The way Shakespeare switches

from bank verse to prose with each character shows his mastery of the

language. Imagery of poison, decay and disease are used by

Shakespeare to represent the themes of illness, corruption and

rottenness. The language is varied and links closely to other themes

including appearance verses reality, death and suicide, revenge and

grief.

Soliloquies are one way which the audience can find out a character’s

most inner thought. They play an important role in revealing certain

themes of Hamlet. The main theme that is explored, is suicide and

quality of life. This issue is expressed in nearly all of Hamlet’s

soliloquies. At the start of the play, Hamlet contemplates suicide

but is apprehensive, as it is against God’s will, who would condemn

him into hell if he does so. “Or that the everlasting had not fix’d/

His canon ‘gainst self slaughter! O God! O God!” (Act I.ii,131-2).

The suicide theme is later mentioned again, however, in a more

philosophical manner in the “To be, or not to be:” soliloquy. He

wonders “Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer…”( Act III.i.57)

showing his thoughts of whether the suffering is worth it. Themes of

grief and anger are too express...

... middle of paper ...

... were all displayed as the play developed and

were important in understanding the essence of Hamlet. The success of

Hamlet is evidence of how Shakespeare’s mastery of the language

engaged the audience and linked to the themes.

Bibliography

------------

“Hamlet imagery” 2005 https://www.123helpme.com/assets/7094.html

20/08/05

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“Hamlet soliloquies” 2005

http://www.mtsn.org.uk/staff/staffpages/cer/hamlet/seven

_soliloquies.html 20/08/05

“Hamlet soliloquies” 2005

http://shakespeare.about.com/library/weekly/aa061500a.htm 20/08/05

“Hamlet themes” 2005 http://www.littanam.ulg.ac.be/hamletenglish.html

20/08/05

“Hamlet themes” 2005

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/xHamlet.html#Hamlet 20/08/05

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