Images of Corruption and Deception in Act 1 of Hamlet

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Images of Corruption and Deception in Act 1 of Hamlet In the play “Hamlet” corruption and deception are shown with the use of many images. This suggests that corruption and deception are central to the play. I am going to look at only the first act of the play to discuss the ways in which the images are used. Polonius is considered to be one of the main deceptive characters in “Hamlet”. Shortly after he is introduced, we learn that he plans to have someone spy on his son Laertes to ensure he does not get into trouble and so that he knows what he is doing while in France. This is deceptive to Laertes as it shows that Polonius does not trust Laertes to stay out of trouble. The central storyline of the play is based around Claudius, the old King Hamlet and Hamlet. In the final scene of Act 1, Marcellus declares 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.' This can be read in two ways, the literal reading or an impending war and the suggestion of Claudius’ misdoings and the murder of King Hamlet. Before the ...

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