How Does Shakespeare Use Dramatic Irony In Hamlet

Through admirable pieces of written work that have stood the test of time, skillful authors have shown the use of irony to be an effective means of accentuating important themes and characters. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the dramatic use of various levels of irony distinctly outlines key themes and aspect of characters that are crucial to the play. The use of dramatic, verbal, and situational irony bring intensity to Shakespeare’s tragedy by emphasizing its key elements.

Shakespeare skillfully incorporates dramatic irony on several occasion throughout the play to highlight key traits of the main characters and major themes. Throughout the tragedy, Hamlet’s antic disposition appears to be one of the most prominent examples of this level

Dramatic irony is evident in this example as unlike the deceived characters, the audience is aware of the fact that his madness is just an act to further his plans. The use of irony emphasizes Hamlet’s intelligence and cleverness as it showcases his ability to deceive others and organize a plan before taking revenge. Along with the protagonist’s intelligence, Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony displays the themes of revenge, deception, and mortality. Dramatic irony is also present in the prayer scene in which Claudius has a short but crucial soliloquy. Hamlet hesitates in his attempt to kill Claudius as he believes the murderer is sincerely repenting his sins through prayer. However, after Hamlet decides to leave and postpone his plans, Claudius says, “my words fly up, my thoughts remain below” (3.3.98), where he negates his prayer. If Hamlet stayed just moments after to hear Claudius’ speech, he would possess information the audience is fully aware of after hearing the soliloquy; Claudius’ perpetual greed. In his immoral mind, Claudius’ desire for the treasures of his sins overshadows his regret for killing his own