Hamlet by WIlliam Shakespeare

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Hamlet is one of the greatest plays written in history by William Shakespeare. It is a tragedy that tells the story of prince Hamlet who seeks revenge for his father's murder. At the start of the play, Hamlet is melancholic and tries desperate to control his fate however, as the play progresses, Hamlet becomes rational and accepts his fate. Shakespeare's powerful use of dark symbols throughout the play illusatrate the inevitability of death as it is a universal component of life. Hamlet's clothing, the imagery and use of poison, as well as Yorrick's skull all symbolize the idea that death is universal and unavoidable.

Hamlets' wardrobe portrays the certainty of death because it reflects Hamlet's thoughts and feelings of grief. Hamlet is dressed in all black because he is in mourning over the death of his father. His black attire sets him apart from the rest of characters who are dressed in bright colors, just as his misery makes him an outsider in the cheerful court. Hamlet’s first appearance in the play shows him being consumed by grief and obsessing over death. While Hamlet may be dressed in black to signify his mourning, his emotions run deeper than his appearance and words. When his mother asks him why he seems upset, Hamlet replies by saying:

‘Tis not alone my inky cloak, good-mother,

Nor customary suits of solemn black ...

That can denote me truly. These indeed seem,

For they are actions that a man might play;

But I have that within which passeth show;

These but the trappings and the suits of woe. (1.2.77-86)

Hamlet's response demonstrates that he has accepted his father's death and is genuinely mourning. Hamlet is enraged that everyone has managed to forget his father so quickly and that h...

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...wn deaths. In addition, Queen Gerturde incestuous marriage to Claudius is what results in her inevitable death as she accidentally ends up drinking the poisoned cup meant for Hamlet. Through ironic symbolism, Shakespeare's characters are lead to their inevitable death through their own doing

Shakespeare shows throughout the play how symbols, including Hamlet's wardrobe, Yorrick’s skull and the use of poison, depict the idea that death, as a natural part of life, is unavoidable. Hamlet is forced to accept the brutal reality of life and the consequence of human behavior after the murder of his father. He emotionally, mentally and physically struggles with his father’s death when he deals with the implications of avenging his father’s murder. In a powerful use of dark symbols, Shakespeare reminds his readers of the universality and inevitability of death.

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