The Theme of Diction in Hamlet

William Shakespeare's Hamlet is famous for its twisty plot, deep characters, and big ideas. One thing that really stands out is how the words are chosen. The characters don’t just say things; their words reveal who they are and set the mood for the whole play. Let’s dive into this idea of diction in Hamlet. We'll see how characters use language to mess with each other, hide the truth, and share their deepest thoughts and feelings.

Hamlet's Iconic Soliloquy: Words That Echo

Take Hamlet’s famous line: "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (III.i.56). We’ve all heard it, right? It shows Hamlet wrestling with life and death. The way he talks about "to be" vs. "not to be" highlights his existential crisis. He repeats "be," making us feel the weight of his decision. Shakespeare uses these simple words to show Hamlet's inner struggles and get us thinking about life’s big questions too.

Claudius' Sneaky Speech

Now, look at Claudius. He's the bad guy here, and his word choice makes that clear. In Act I, Scene ii, he talks to the court about his brother’s death, pretending to be all sad. But if you listen closely, he's manipulating everyone with his words. He calls his marriage a "succession," which sounds all official but hides the sketchiness of it all. This clever wording helps him keep up his act as a legit king.

Polonius: Too Many Words

Then there’s Polonius, who just loves to hear himself talk. In Act II, Scene ii, he gives Laertes a speech full of clichés like "give thy thoughts no tongue" and "neither a borrower nor a lender be" (I.iii.59-60). His over-the-top language makes fun of how fake people can be at court. Polonius wants to seem wise but just ends up looking shallow.

Diction Setting the Mood

The way words are used also sets the dark mood of Hamlet. The ghost of Hamlet’s dad uses spooky words that send chills down your spine, like when he says "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" (I.v.25). Those words make you feel how heavy and awful the situation is. Shakespeare’s careful word choice creates this constant feeling of unease throughout the play.

Wrapping Up: Why Words Matter in Hamlet

Diction in Hamlet isn’t just about fancy talk; it shapes everything—the characters, the story, even how we feel watching it all unfold. By picking just the right words, Shakespeare lets us peek inside characters’ minds and keeps us questioning what we see on stage. This essay only scratches the surface of Shakespeare's genius with language—a reason why Hamlet still matters today.

References

• Shakespeare, W., Mowat, B.A., & Werstine, P.. (1992). Hamlet.. Folger Shakespeare Library.
• Bloom, H.. (1998). Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human.. Riverhead Books.
• Lamb, S.. (2017). Language and Imagery in Hamlet: A Critical Analysis Journal Article from College Literature Review.
• Mackenzie, C.. (2001). Talking Like A King: Diction in Elizabethan Drama—A Study from Cambridge Quarterly Review.
• Taylor, G.. (1989). “The Structure of 'Hamlet': An Essay” in Essays on Early Modern Literature by Oxford University Press.