The human ears are capable of more than what meets the eye. Throughout Hamlet, Shakespeare practices different motifs to express themes such as corruption, revenge, and madness. Specifically, Hamlet employs the motif of ears to convey the theme of corruption. After the fall of the great King Hamlet, the throne of Denmark falls into a state of corruption through the lies of the new King Claudius. Hamlet the prince attempts to find ways of exposing Claudius’s lies and end the corruption throughout Denmark but ironically, profits from deception. In many ways, Shakespeare illustrates his thoughts through certain recurring objects or ideas. The ear motif in Hamlet supports the theme of how corruption can cause the fall of a nation as it represents the gathering of true information, the deception of Denmark, and Claudius’s corrosive effect on Denmark.
Shakespeare explores the importance of gathering information provided by other people. Polonius advises Laertes to listen very …show more content…
In Hamlet this represents the deception of Denmark. The first step for one to avoid being deceived is to be honest with themselves. Polonius reminds Laertes, “This above all: to thine own self be true” (I.iii.82). In the play, the reader sees the continuous consequences of deception. Not only did Claudius deceive Denmark, but he deceived himself. His ears became sensitive to hearing his own guilt (Gleckman). He attempted to block out any evidence claiming that he was a liar. The deception of himself led to the corruption of the citizens of Denmark. On the protagonist’s side, the Ghost warns Hamlet of the false death scene imagined by Claudius. The Ghost remarks that his story will “freeze Hamlet’s blood” and in the same way, King Hamlet’s story will “curd’le” his son’s ears like the poison did to his own ear (Tiffany). The ears are a useful tool of deceiving people for the benefit of corrupting a
Shakespeare explores the importance of gathering information provided by other people. Polonius advises Laertes to listen very …show more content…
In Hamlet this represents the deception of Denmark. The first step for one to avoid being deceived is to be honest with themselves. Polonius reminds Laertes, “This above all: to thine own self be true” (I.iii.82). In the play, the reader sees the continuous consequences of deception. Not only did Claudius deceive Denmark, but he deceived himself. His ears became sensitive to hearing his own guilt (Gleckman). He attempted to block out any evidence claiming that he was a liar. The deception of himself led to the corruption of the citizens of Denmark. On the protagonist’s side, the Ghost warns Hamlet of the false death scene imagined by Claudius. The Ghost remarks that his story will “freeze Hamlet’s blood” and in the same way, King Hamlet’s story will “curd’le” his son’s ears like the poison did to his own ear (Tiffany). The ears are a useful tool of deceiving people for the benefit of corrupting a