LF2 - Lesson: The Function of Diction, Imagery and Symbols

A painted backdrop for a staging of Hamlet with a rustic feel.The Function of Diction, Imagery and Symbols

In plays, imagery is evoked through stage directions, set design, and actors' movements, creating a visual impact that complements the spoken word.

Diction, or the choice of words, is crucial in conveying characters' personalities, relationships, and the overall tone of the play, with playwrights carefully crafting dialogue for dramatic effect.

Symbols in plays, whether represented through props, costumes, or recurring motifs, contribute to deeper layers of meaning, enriching the narrative and inviting interpretation from the audience.

Imagery in Hamlet

In Hamlet, there are several recurring images, word choices, and symbols that help to develop both the atmosphere and overall meaning of the play. Here is a sampling. Remember that any rich text will have multiple effective images, symbols, and word choices to create the overall palate of the work.

  • Yorick’s Skull: The image of the skull, especially when Hamlet encounters Yorick's skull in the graveyard, serves as a powerful memento mori, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life. Hamlet reflects on mortality, expressing his existential struggles and the universal human experience of facing one's mortality.
  • The Ghost: The visual image of the ghost of King Hamlet is a significant supernatural element in the play. It symbolizes unresolved issues, the haunting legacy of the past, and a call for justice. The ghost's appearance has a profound impact on Hamlet and sets in motion the central conflict, highlighting themes of revenge, loyalty, and the consequences of political betrayal.
  • The Poisoned Chalice: The motif of poison, particularly in the poisoned cup during the climactic duel, is a recurring image that represents the corrupting influence of power and deceit within the court. The poisoned chalice becomes a symbol of the toxic political environment, leading to the tragic downfall of the characters. This image underscores the themes of treachery, political corruption, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.

Diction in Hamlet

In addition to imagery, Shakespeare uses specific word choices and word order to convey meaning. 

  • Frailty: In Hamlet's line "Frailty, thy name is woman!" the word "frailty" is a poignant choice that reflects Hamlet's disillusionment with his mother's perceived moral weakness or infidelity. It sets the tone for Hamlet's complex relationship with women and contributes to the broader theme of betrayal.
  • Rogue and Peasant Slave: In this soliloquy, Hamlet's use of the words "rogue" and "peasant slave" reflects his self-loathing and frustration with his perceived inaction. These words convey Hamlet's sense of inadequacy and his internal conflict, contributing to the exploration of his character's psyche.
  • Garden: In the context of Ophelia's dialogue in Act 4, Scene 5. In Ophelia's mad ramblings about flowers, she mentions the concept of a "garden" as a metaphor for innocence, purity, and the idealized state of relationships. However, her descriptions take a darker turn as she refers to the garden being corrupted, mirroring the political and moral corruption within the Danish court. This use of the word "garden" underscores the theme of decay and the perversion of once-noble ideals, providing insight into the deteriorating state of the characters and the broader society in the play.

Practice Activity

Match the character with the correct description of their narrative voice. 

Reflection

In Hamlet, the deliberate use of vivid images, powerful symbols like the skull and poisoned chalice, and carefully chosen diction serves to enrich the narrative, conveying complex themes and emotions within the characters and the broader context of the play. 

In drama as a whole, images, symbols, and diction collectively form a dynamic tapestry that transcends verbal expression, shaping the visual and emotional landscape of the performance, and allowing for nuanced storytelling that engages both the intellect and emotions of the audience.

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