Theme: Corruption/ The Wasteland

Question 1

How does Shakespeare represent the theme of corruption? (Briefly)

Answer 1

1. Political corruption/ Moral vacuity
2. The nation as a diseased body/ Corruption as a contagion.
3. Thematic critique of revenge (as a response to corruption)
4. Ontological implications of corruption

Question 2

New Historicism, Hamlet and Corruption

Answer 2

• Reflective of the anxieties regarding political legitmacy
• • Moral legitimacy of rulers

Question 3

How does Shakespeare represent the theme of corruption?

Answer 3

1.Political corruption/ Moral vacuity
2. The nation as a diseased body/ Corruption as a contagion: Hamlet becomes embroiled in the corruption he seeks to eradicate.
3. Thematic critique of revenge (as a response to corruption)
4. Ontological implications of corruption: corrupting influence of power not only distort the social order but also challenge the essence of identity and purpose

Question 4

Lawerence- Corruption

Answer 4

A sense of corruption in the flesh makes Hamlet frenzied, for he will never admit that it is his own flesh

Question 5

Kitto- Corruption

Answer 5

• Evil in Hamlet as a ‘contagion’, from Claudius to Laertes and from Gertrude to Hamlet.

Question 6

Alexander- Corruption

Answer 6

• The question remains, how does one deal with such a man (Claudius), without becoming like him’

Question 7

Jan Kott- Corruption

Answer 7

• The play mediates on the inevitable decay of all human institutions and values.
• Suggesting corruption is pervasive on a broader existential level.

Question 8

Shakespeare- revenge

Answer 8

• Commentary on the fragility of political systems
• Ways personal corruption can lead to national ruin.