English Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

English Literature - Essay Example hat is to say, throughout Act I, a careful reader traces the development of corruption mostly through the powerful character of King Claudius and the impact of corruption connected with the king on the entire kingdom of Denmark is evident to the readers. The theme of decay becomes perceptible in King Claudius’ speeches which also reveal the moral, social and political corruption existent in the entire society. In fact, Shakespeare has been realized through the critical works of several scholars as a writer with great social commitments and he has been especially effective in dealing with the issue of corruption and its effect on the society of Hamlet. In the play, the images of disease pervade the dramatic language suggesting not merely the corruption of the individual but the degeneration of an entire society. Therefore, the images of disease and corruption can be seen right from the opening scene of the play which, in the course of action, turns out to be literal references to the decay of the society. These images of disease and corruption can be traced from the opening scene of the play to the end and Marcellus comment in the third scene points to the decayed state of affairs in the country: â€Å"something is rotten in the state of Denmark.† (I IV 90: 6678) All through his play, Shakespeare makes use of the imagery of disease, poison and decay and Marcellus’ statement indicates such imagery in the play. The playwright presents widespread corruption in the state of Denmark which is comparable to infectious diseases contaminating the entire court and such setting of disease also amplifies the readers’ revulsion for the nasty events in the play. Just as disease leads one to death, the disease of the society leads the state of Denmark to a damned situation. In short, the dramatist’s use of images of disease and corruption helps the readers comprehend the emotional and moral decay and the bitter relationships of the characters as well as the anxious, chaotic