Imagery of Disease and Decay in Hamlet William Shakespeare discovered imagery to be a useful tool for giving his works greater impact and meaning hidden. In Hamlet, Shakespeare used imagery to present ideas about the atmosphere, Hamlet's character, and the major theme of the play. He used images of decadence to give the reader a sense of the changing atmosphere. He used the imagery of illness to imply how some of the different characters viewed Hamlet as he displayed his "antique character". And finally, he used images of poison to emphasize the main theme of the piece; In the end, everyone receives a fair reward. At the beginning of Hamlet, Shakespeare's first use of imagery was about decadence. Marcellus says, “Something is rotten in the State of Denmark” (I; iv; 90), to Horatio after Hamlet leaves to speak with the ghost of his father. The images of degradation used here give the reader a general understanding of certain things. First, it foreshadows that the king's throne (the state of Denmark) is on shaky ground, as Hamlet will soon discover that his father was murdered and not bitten by a snake as originally thought. Also, this reveals the atmosphere of suspicion that is created (something is rotten) which will play a role for a large part of the play. Then, two scenes later, the imagery of decadence was used a second time when Hamlet said: "For if the sun begets maggots in a dead dog, being a good kissing carrion" (II; i; 182-183 ) to Polonius during their first conversation in the room. The imagery of decadence used here subtly conveys information about a number of things. First, it foreshadows that Hamlet (the sun) will kill Polonius (spawn maggots in a dead dog). And secondly, at this point in the scene, Hamlet goes on to speak of his own ...... middle of paper ...... mastery of imagery that helped Shakespeare rise in the world of literature and to give him a solid place as one of the greatest playwrights of all time. Works cited and consulted: Bodkin, Maud. Death and Decline in Hamlet Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1934. Burnett, Mark, ed. New essays on Hamlet. New York: AMS Press, 1994. Levin, Richard. 1990. “The Poetics and Politics of Bardicide.” PMLA 105:491-504. Vickers, Brian. Appropriating Shakespeare: Contemporary Critical Quarrels. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. 1993. Watson, Robert N. 1990. “Giving up the ghost in a world of decadence: Hamlet, revenge and denial.” » Renaissance Drama 21: 199-223. Wright, George T. 1981. “Hendiadys and Hamlet.” PMLA 96:168-193. Shakespeare, William. The Trade of Hamlet Prince of Denmark. New York: Washington Square Press, 1992