Symbolism in Hamlet

Study Notes

The pipe symbolizes manipulation; Hamlet asserts he cannot be deceived by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who misinterpret his words literally.
Yorick's Skull serves as a reminder of mortality; Hamlet reflects on how all humans eventually die and disintegrate, referencing historical figures like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to highlight the inevitability of death.
The arras represents deceit and hidden intentions; Polonius, who spies behind curtains, symbolizes false appearances and the lack of direct confrontation with reality.
Ophelia's flowers illustrate madness and perception; her awareness of the flowers' meanings suggests a complex understanding of her situation, blurring the line between sanity and madness.
The Ghost embodies the theme of revenge; it signifies Hamlet's deep emotional connection to his father and the burden of avenging his murder, fitting the conventions of revenge tragedy.
"Rank" Gardens illustrate decay and corruption; Hamlet's metaphor of the world as an unweeded garden alludes to Biblical themes of temptation and underscores the moral collapse stemming from King Hamlet's murder by Claudius.
Hamlet's black clothing symbolizes grief and alienation; his mourning attire sets him apart from the joyful court of Claudius, accentuating his role as an outsider amidst the kingdom's false cheer.