Figurative Language in Hamlet

       Figurative language is language that uses figures of speech such as metaphor, smile, personification, understatement, paradox, irony and hyperbole. It is a useful tool that enables authors to draw the attention of the reader to an event within a play or novel. In the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare commonly uses figurative language to point out dramatic events. For instance, in King Claudius’ soliloquy, there are many different instances in which he uses figurative language. His use of figurative language enables him to easily manipulate all the characters around him in particular Laertes. One example of figurative language is when king Claudius states,      “ With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage.” Not only is it an ironic statement, but it is also metaphoric for how King Claudius feels about the whole situation he has created. The statement at first glance appears to be good: however, when you look at the literal meaning of the words mirth and dirge you see that in reality it is an extremely negative sentence. It also serves as incriminating evidence of King Claudius’ actions. Shakespeare uses such figurative language regularly throughout his plays, especially Hamlet.