In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the themes of illness,
corruption and decay can be seen throughout the play. The
imagery is used not only to depict the characters, but to
demonstrate the state of Denmark to the audience. Through this
essay, I will be discussing the development of the themes of
illness, corruption and decay throughout the play, followed by
the effect this has on Hamlet. Furthermore, I will be discussing
how Hamlet intended to ‘set it right’ (Hamlet 1. 5. 205–6) and
how all this ended in tragedy. The impression of the play is
reinforced by imagery of decay, illness and the emotional and
moral decay of the characters. The play starts off with the
death of King Hamlet, and the marriage between Queen Gertrude,
Hamlet’s mother to Claudius, his uncle, and brother to the King.
Hamlet does not approve of this marriage and describes it as ‘A
little more than kin and less than kind’ (Hamlet 1.2.65) in his
eyes, the marriage is little more than incest, a morally guilty
act, especially in the highes