Words In Hamlet

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The Power of Words
Shakespeare is regarded as a master of language, with beautiful English writing constantly flowing from his pen. His mastery of words has the ability to instill images into the mind of the reader or viewer. In the dwindling world of the play Hamlet, Shakespeare incorporates a plethora of images that describe things as they truly are. Two of such images are indecision and poison: their developments serve a vital purpose to the play as a whole.
The power of words plays an interesting role in Hamlet. It is important to note that the play consists mostly of speaking and contains very little action. Despite this, Shakespeare is able to grasp the attention of the viewer through his imagery and word choice. The protagonist, Hamlet, is strongly affected by words, as they have the ability to alter his sense of reality and morality. This is highlighted by Hamlet's failure to murder Claudius while the incestuous king …show more content…

By telling the public that the King had died from the sting of a serpent, Claudius is building up his poisonous kingdom in which he is the serpent that "now wears his [dead King Hamlet] crown." This image of poison in this early scene foreshadows the final duel in Act V of the play. After discovering the king's treacherous plot and running him through with sword, Hamlet forces Claudius to "drink off this potion [poison]." The poison on the sword and in the cup represent deceit and corruption, and it is only fitting that Claudius is killed by his own trick. "The point envenom'd too! Then, venom, to thy work" (V.ii.285-86). At this point in the play, Hamlet no longer needs to contemplate his decision because he has become insane and simply completes his deed of revenge. It is quite ironic how Claudius's corrupt kingdom is both created and ended with

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