Annessa Donato

Miss Skirtich
7 November 2017
English 10: World Literature

A Dangerous, Dirty World

The world is a tough place; violent crimes happen every day, people get murdered, and

unfair situations happen. Growing up in that world is very tough and emotional. William

Shakespeare informs young readers about living in a tough world ,in his play "Hamlet" everyday

was full of mystery, death, and deals that could cost someone his or her life. Shakespeare infuses

death, disease, and corruption through insanity, murder, and unforeseen rises to power.

Shakespeare infuses death, disease, and corruption in "Hamlet" through insanity. One

example of Insanity occurs when Hamlet says mean and hurtful comments to Ophelia, " You gig

and amble, you lisp God's creatures" (III.i 156). Hamlet basically calls Ophelia the devil. His

insanity drives him to say things he can not control. In this situation, Hamlet insanity drives him

to lower Ophelia's confidence. When Hamlet acts bipolar to Ophelia, Insanity is clearly

displayed," I did love you once/ Lady shall I lie in your lap?" ( III.ii.119-125). Hamlet says he no

longer loves Ophelia but later on in the scene he wants Ophelia to hold him in her lap. His

Insanity makes him change his emotions very quickly and leads to emotional and awkward

situations. Shakespeare infuses death, disease, and corruption in "Hamlet" through Insanity .

In addition to Insanity, Shakespeare infuses death, disease, and corruption through

murder. One example of murder is when Claudius murders King Hamlet," A murder and a

villain" ( III.iv.96-97). These words perfectly describe Claudius, because he kills the King but he

also sneaks around. Throughout the play Claudius is a villain and avoids the fact that he

murdered the King. Another example of murder is when Hamlet murder's Polonius, " How now,
a rat? /Dead, for a ducat, dead" (III.iv 23). The "rat' is gone? these words provide a fine example

of Polonius and Hamlet's relationship. Murder also makes the story exciting and eventful.

Finally, Shakespeare infuses death, disease, and corruption through unforeseen rises to

power. One example of unforeseen rises to power is Prince Fortinbras becoming king, " As for

me, I welcome my good luck with sadness, I have my rights to claim this kingdom" (V.ii. 419-

420). Prince Fortinbras becomes King of Denmark in a very unusual way. Prince Fortinbras also

wants to avenge his father's death so that gives him more of a reason to become King. Another

example of unforeseen rises to power is when Claudius becomes King due to killing King

Hamlet, " But you must know your father lost a father" (I.ii .90). Claudius says that Hamlet must

get to know Claudius before he blames him for everything. During this time Hamlet's depression

is high and this saying makes it worse. Unforeseen rises to power causes multiple arguments and

motives in the play.

In conclusion, Shakespeare infuses death, disease, and corruption through insanity, murder, and

unforeseen rises to power. Shakespeare wants readers to think before they do something, actions

speak louder than words. Life gets rough sometimes but Shakespeare wants readers to keep on

going and get up. Shakespeare wants young readers especially, to control and handle their anger

and depression in a safe way.