31.5k views
0 votes
Examine the theme of moral corruption in Hamlet and write an essay of about 200 words on the subject. Be sure to include examples of moments in the play when this theme is apparent, and state why it is one of the central themes of the play.

User Gumzle
by
5.2k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

Moral corruption is evident throughout Hamlet. The statement "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark," made by Marcellus in act I scene IV, sums up the moral corruption in the play.

You may have used these other instances of moral corruption in your answer:

Claudius eyeing his brother's wife, Queen Gertrude

Claudius murdering his brother

Claudius marrying his brother's wife

Claudius and Gertrude attempting to convince Hamlet to move on from his father's death and accept his stepfather

Polonius' treatment of Ophelia and his willingness to do the bidding of Claudius

Prince Hamlet plotting to kill his uncle Claudius

Prince Hamlet abusing his mother and calling her promiscuous

Hamlet killing Polonius instead of Claudius

Claudius ordering the king of England to put his nephew, Hamlet, to death

Claudius poisoning Laertes's sword before his duel with Hamlet

Hamlet stabbing Claudius

the death of all the morally corrupt characters of the play (Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, Claudius, Gertrude, and even Rosencrantz and Guildenstern), which may mean that corruption will lead to death

You may also have used quotes from the play similar to the one below, in which Hamlet laments his mother's sudden marriage to his uncle:

O God! a beast that wants discourse of reason,

Would have mourn'd longer—married with my uncle,

My father's brother...

Step-by-step explanation:

User MDroidd
by
5.2k points