The Danish Corruption Affected Everyone in Denmark. From spying on suspicious lords, spying on one’s own son, or conspiring to kill, these reoccurring themes manifest themselves constantly throughout Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet. The concept of corruption can be seen in many other Shakespeare works including both Othello and Macbeth. However, it is the corruption in the state of Denmark that progresses the play in a manner that people can speculate as to what heinous deed will happen next. Corruption is present throughout the entirety of the play, but it is the scale of corruption that Shakespeare wants to emphasize. After the death of King Hamlet at the hands of Claudius, a chain effect of corruption leads to the collapse of Denmark.
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In return, Fortinbras promises that he will not attack Denmark for the lands that were lost in the war. This shows that Claudius is willing to sell out any other kingdom for the safety of his own. Not only is this showing his corrupt bargaining in the face of danger, it also shows that he is a coward in his own right. He is not brave to stand up against Norway and instead “pushes” another kingdom at Fortinbras. To further escalate the problem of corruption in Denmark, major characters in the play engage in espionage on each other to find out exactly what they are doing. The major act of espionage in the play, however, is Rosencratz and Guildenstern spying on Hamlet on the orders of King Claudius. When Hamlet first meets Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He questions whether or not they have truly come to visit or if they were told to: Beggar that I am, I am even poor in thanks; but I thank you, and sure, Dear friends, my thanks are too dear a halfpenny. Were you not sent for? Is Lining? Is it a free visitation? Come, come, and deal justly with me. Come, Come. nay, speak (2.2. …show more content…
Hamlet was willing to send two of his once close friends to their death in order to get revenge on Claudius. At this point, it shows that the corruption has affected Hamlet as well in that he will do anything necessary to achieve his goal of revenge. However, his return will lead to one last corrupt act that will destroy Denmark from within. After hearing of his father’s death, Laertes returns demanding Claudius to tell him what happened. Wanting to relieve the burden of hamlet off his shoulders, he tells Laertes that Hamlet killed him and that they should work together to kill Hamlet to avenge
In return, Fortinbras promises that he will not attack Denmark for the lands that were lost in the war. This shows that Claudius is willing to sell out any other kingdom for the safety of his own. Not only is this showing his corrupt bargaining in the face of danger, it also shows that he is a coward in his own right. He is not brave to stand up against Norway and instead “pushes” another kingdom at Fortinbras. To further escalate the problem of corruption in Denmark, major characters in the play engage in espionage on each other to find out exactly what they are doing. The major act of espionage in the play, however, is Rosencratz and Guildenstern spying on Hamlet on the orders of King Claudius. When Hamlet first meets Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He questions whether or not they have truly come to visit or if they were told to: Beggar that I am, I am even poor in thanks; but I thank you, and sure, Dear friends, my thanks are too dear a halfpenny. Were you not sent for? Is Lining? Is it a free visitation? Come, come, and deal justly with me. Come, Come. nay, speak (2.2. …show more content…
Hamlet was willing to send two of his once close friends to their death in order to get revenge on Claudius. At this point, it shows that the corruption has affected Hamlet as well in that he will do anything necessary to achieve his goal of revenge. However, his return will lead to one last corrupt act that will destroy Denmark from within. After hearing of his father’s death, Laertes returns demanding Claudius to tell him what happened. Wanting to relieve the burden of hamlet off his shoulders, he tells Laertes that Hamlet killed him and that they should work together to kill Hamlet to avenge