Language Techniques in Hamlet by William Shakespeare Essay

Language Techniques in Hamlet by William Shakespeare Shakespeare used a variety of language techniques throughout Hamlet, which contribute to the themes in the play. They also help to add more meaning and understanding for the audience. Soliloquies, word play, symbols and other figurative language are some of these important techniques that enhance Hamlet. The way Shakespeare switches from bank verse to prose with each character shows his mastery of the language. Imagery of poison, decay and disease are used by Shakespeare to represent the themes of illness, corruption and rottenness. The language is varied and†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears/†¦ She married. O! most wicked speed, to post/ With such dexterity to incestuous sheets.†( Act I.ii.154-57) Through his soliloquies, audience soon realise Hamlet is loosing all of his will to live. The soliloquies include many metaphors that bring together many of the themes in Hamlet. One of these themes includes Hamlet’s hesitation of his actions and his decision of whether he should give up on life. He metaphorically compares the problems of his life to â€Å"The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune† and â€Å"sea of troubles†( Act III.i.58-9). This use of metaphor shows how Shakespeare used language to express themes. Along with suicide, come the themes of revenge and Hamlet’s obsession with death and the afterlife. Hamlet metaphorically compares death to sleep and to an undiscovered country, wondering â€Å"For in that sleep of death what dreams may come.† (Act III.i.66). He is afraid to commit suicide, as he doesn’t know what awaits him. Another theme is Hamlet’s depression of which makes Hamlet believe that life is just full of suffering. He uses the metaphor â€Å"Yea, from the table of my memory/ I’ll wipe away all trivial, fond records..†( Act II.v.105-6) showing how he wants to erase his memory because everyone has betrayed him. This contributes to Hamlet’s depression. â€Å"Lay not that flattering unction to your soul/†¦ItShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Othello And The English Language1649 Words   |  7 Pagesactor and dramatist, William Shakespeare is one of the most influential and greatest writers up to this day in poetry and the English language. Known, for his many acclaimed works such as his famous plays, â€Å"Othello,† â€Å"King Lear,† and â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† etc. More than four hundred years have passed and William Shakespeare’s work still alive as if it was during the early ages of Shakespeare work. Shakespeare influenced ranges from literature, theater, films and even the English language. 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