Language Techniques in Hamlet by William
Shakespeare
by Barry Wright
Essay: Language Techniques in Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Pages: 10
Rating: 3 stars
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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 links closely to other themes
including appearance verses reality, death and suicide, revenge and
grief.
Soliloquies are one way which the audience can find out a character’s
most inner thought. They play an important role in revealing certain
themes of Hamlet. The main theme that is explored, is suicide and
quality of life. This issue is expressed in nearly all of Hamlet’s
soliloquies. At the start of the play, Hamlet contemplates suicide
but is apprehensive, as it is against God’s will, who would condemn
him into hell if he does so. “Or that the everlasting had not fix’d/
His canon ‘gainst self slaughter! O God! O God!” (Act I.ii,131-2).
The suicide theme is later mentioned again, however, in a more
philosophical manner in the “To be, or not to be:” soliloquy. He
wonders “Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer…”( Act III.i.57)
showing his thoughts of whether the suffering is worth it. Themes of
wonders “Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer…”( Act III.i.57)
showing his thoughts of whether the suffering is worth it. Themes of
grief and anger are too express...