Since most of you chose the "corruption" theme, I am going to use that to offer suggestions of how to revise your papers. First of all, attack the question in chunks. What images of corruption do we see in the play? Well, the play starts off with the country in a state of war or post war. The King appears to have wrongfully claimed some land. This opens up the audience and the reader to the idea that this is a devious King.
Next, a ghost shows up. Ghosts don't show up when things are all good and happy. Right? I mean, this is no Casper. So, explain that and what it might mean.
Next, the use of poison--it was used to kill twice in the play and is a symbol of corruption,no?
Snake/serpent imagery--look for it, it is there and for a reason too.
Disease==madness kiddies, is a disease. Who is mad, goes mad, feigns madness or by faking becomes mad is all tied up in the idea that if you are not honest and real, you are corrupt and deceitful and you will pay a price. Who is guilty of this in the play? Almost everyone. Ros & Guil take the King's side and aren't honest w. Hamlet, Hamlet fakes madness lots, the Queen is false to herself, her son, and perhaps in her love of Claudius, etc, etc.
Loss of virtue--if you'd like you can use Ophelia and the Queen in this arguement but there is also Hamlet who sinks pretty low to trap King Claudius.
Now, think of levels
There is corruption of the state and thus society--important to remember that the King represents the country and his actions reflect directly on what happens to the people both inside and outside the royal family
corruption of the individual--ones actions lead to condequences, one small immoral step might lead down a rocky road
corruption of another through deceit--what you say or do to someone else might mess them up.
Finally, when you quote, do it like this:
Summary of scene in play, quote, analysis, tie analysis to theme. Also use (IV, iii, 323-326) as your citation format.
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I went to the portaportal thing u said to go to. I found out a lot of stuff about Hamlet like it was Shakepeares most famous work and also that it raises a alot questions. some events in the plsy are unclear and people make up their owm interpetation of what might be happening. I went to some link where they had actors playing Hamlet. I kinda understand some parts of the play. there were some weird sites that I didnt understand like some english libary thing. I think that the portaportal thing helped me a little
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