Hamlet Imagery

[Djstef]

Hello!
I have to write a paper on the imagery in Hamlet. I do not fully understand what the imagery in Hamlet is. If some people could post a couple of examples I can begin to make headway. Thanks for your help!

[Grumbleguts]

Remember that Shakespeare was originally acted on a bare stage - no scenery. Shakespeare's words had to do the job of providing the backdrop. His words are therefore very full of descriptive words which are used to evoke a sense of place.

He also uses these descriptive words to create a mood - this is what is meant by imagery - In a movie, this would be acheived by lighting, props, scenery and locations - look for examples where Shakespeare describes such things using just words and think about how his words make you feel about Elsinore and the events there.

I don't think it is fair to give actual examples but I hope I've helped.

[Amleth]

Hello!
I have to write a paper on the imagery in Hamlet. I do not fully understand what the imagery in Hamlet is. ...


I don't either, just from the word "imagery." It's a vague term that could mean various things. Did your teacher, or the lesson assignment, narrow it down any?

There's a Mirror/Image motif, or theme, that runs through Hamlet, as for example the Ghost being the image of Hamlet's father. But is that what the assignment is about?

Or, as Grumbleguts said, there's the poetic use of words to depict things, to "draw pictures in words," so to speak. That, also, is imagery.

You'll have to be more specific. I suggest asking the teacher for more guidance (which I suspect will help a lot in getting the paper done.)