1. Destructive Nature of Corruption

2. “This bodes some strange eruption in our state.”
Horatio recognises that the ghost’s appearance is unnatural
Corruption of natural order
Threatens to disrupt the peace of Denmark
Makes clear that there is corruption in Denmark

3. “’tis an unweeded garden That grows to seed; things rank and gross Possess it merely.”
Denmark is being compared to a garden that has been taken over by bad things
Claudius is like the weeds that spread corruption
Hamlet believes Claudius’ court is corrupt and has ruined Denmark

4. “ and there put on him.
What forgeries you please – marry none so rank
As may dishonour him”
Polonius is a corrupt character as he is always spying on people
He does not trust anyone, including his family
No-one respects other peoples independence
Spreading lies about other people to tarnish their reputation

5. “ You were sent for, and there is a kind of
confession in your looks, which your modesties have
not craft enough to colour.”
Hamlet cannot even trust his own friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Corruption of the friends as they betray their friend for the king’s favour
Continues idea of spying and mistrust

6. “ O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven;
It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t-
A brother’s murder.”
Claudius confesses to the audience
His entire court is corrupt as it is based on murder
Shows how corrupt a character Claudius is that he cannot even repent for his sins
Claudius has bred mistrust through his sinful ways

7. Claudius feels guilty for his covering up his sinful actions
“ The harlot’s cheek, beautified with plast’ring art,
Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it
Than is my deed to my most painted word.”
Claudius feels guilty for his covering up his sinful actions
Theme of pretence / falseness / corruption because of the King’s selfish actions which he will not repent