Images of Illness and Decay in HamletWilliam Shakespeare discovered that images were a useful tool in giving his plays greater impact and hidden meaning. In Hamlet, Shakespeare used imagery to present ideas about the atmosphere, Hamlet's character, and the main theme of the play. He used images of decay to give the reader a sense of the changing atmosphere. He used imagery of illness to suggest how some of the different characters perceived Hamlet as he took on his "antiquated disposition". And finally, he used the image of poison to emphasize the main theme of the work; in the end everyone receives their just punishment. At the beginning of Hamlet, Shakespeare's first use of imagery was one of decadence. Marcellus says, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" (I; iv; 90), to Horatio after Hamlet leaves to speak to his father's ghost. The image of decay used here gives the reader a basic understanding of a few things. First, it foreshadows that the king's throne (the state of Denmark) is on shaky ground because Hamlet will soon discover that his father was murdered and not bitten by a snake as initially thought. Furthermore, it reveals the growing atmosphere of suspicion (something is rotten) that would play an important role throughout much of the play. Then, two scenes later, the image of decay was used a second time when Hamlet says, "Why if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a good kissing carrion," (II;i;182-183) a Polonius during their first conversation in the play. The image of decay used here subtly conveys information about a few things. First, it foreshadows that Hamlet (the sun) will kill Polonius (he breeds worms in a dead dog). And secondly, at this point in the scene, Hamlet goes on to talk about his own... middle of paper... mastery of imagery that helped Shakespeare rise in the world of literature and give him a solid place as one of the greatest playwrights of all times. Works cited and consulted: Bodkin, Maud. Death and Decay 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 arguments. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. 1993.Watson, Robert N. 1990. “Giving Up the Ghost in a Decaying World: Hamlet, Revenge, and Denial.” Renaissance Drama 21:199-223. Wright, George T. 1981. “Hendiadys and Hamlet.” PMLA 96:168-193.Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark. New York: Washington Square Press, 1992