How Does Shakespeare Use Rhetorical Strategies In Hamlet

English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, in one of his more famous soliloquies, “Too, too sullied flesh” from his play, “Hamlet”, uses word choice, juxtaposition, and pathos, to connect with the audience and reveal Hamlet’s profound sorrow and feeling of despair after his mother’s marriage to his uncle.

One of the most effective rhetorical strategies Shakespeare uses is word choice. Throughout this section, Shakespeare utilizes select words like, "rank", or "gross", and phrases such as "unweeded garden", to share Hamlet's feelings on his mother's new relationship (Shakespeare, 29). He uses these words to share Hamlet's intense disgust with the audience. As a reader comes across words with an inherently negative connotation, such as these, they cannot help but create a sense of distaste towards Hamlet's mother. Shakespeare's purpose by using these words is to accomplish just that. By aligning the audience's emotions with that of Hamlet's, the audience can relate to the main character on a more personal level. This personal connection makes Shakespeare's plays more effective.

Another rhetorical strategy Shakespeare uses throughout this section is juxtaposition.

Shakespeare uses statements such as "Hyperion to a satyr" to explain the opposite emotions Hamlet feels towards his late father and his uncle (Shakespeare, 29). Hyperion, the mythological god of heavenly light, was used to represent Hamlet's father. This godly figure is then compared to a satyr; a mythical creature often pictured as a drunken, lustful woodland creature. Shakespeare compares an all-powerful god next to what many see as a disgraceful creature. This drastic difference allows for a more extreme opinion on the two men to be formed. By juxtaposing Hamlet's holy opinion of his father, and his negative attitude towards his uncle, the readers can acquire a better sense of Hamlet's

grief.

Finally, the last main rhetorical strategy Shakespeare uses in this passage is pathos. Statements such as, "but no more like my father | Than I to Hercules:" are used to invoke pity from the audience. Statements like such are used to make the readers feel sad for Hamlet. This sense of sadness for Hamlet helps other rhetorical strategies Shakespeare uses have a deeper effect. By using pathos, Hamlet is able to connect emotionally with the audience. This emotional bond allows for the audience to become more invested in the characters, and makes for a more effective play.