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An author can reveal characteristics of characters in literature through several different methods.

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An author can reveal characteristics of characters in literature through several different methods. Some common methods of characterization include one’s appearance, speech, thoughts, name, actions, and emotions. However, unconventional means can also be used, such as imagery, which is visually descriptive or figurative language. In Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, imagery is used to characterize central characters to the play. Firstly, Hamlet’s characteristics are revealed through the imagery of death in his speech. Secondly, Claudius’ characteristics are revealed through the imagery in the Ghost and Hamlet’s descriptions of him, as well as his own thoughts. It is through this visually descriptive and figurative language, that readers can …show more content…

Amongst Hamlet’s criticisms for Gertrude, his association of female sexuality with corruption demonstrates his hatred towards Gertrude for being weak, stating that her lustful nature overpowers her grief for King Hamlet, as she, like Niobe, a Greek mythological character, cry endlessly after their loved ones die. Therefore, through Hamlet’s first soliloquy, Shakespeare’s use of imagery develops Hamlet’s character, by revealing his melancholic nature, his religious beliefs, and misogyny towards Gertrude. Shakespeare’s extensive use of imagery develops more characteristics of Hamlet. Again through Hamlet’s soliloquys, his intelligence is demonstrated through allusions to Greek mythological characters. For example, in Act II, scene ii, Hamlet alludes to the battle of Troy. In his detailed descriptions of these mythological facts, his wit can be seen as he relates these characters to characters in the play. In addition, through Hamlet’s many questions regarding the afterlife and suicide, his philosophical facet can be seen. For instance, the Ghost describes how his “father’s spirit, / Doomed for a certain term to walk the night, / And for the day confined to fast in fires, / Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature / Are burnt and purged away” (I, V, 9-13). This description of purgatory leads Hamlet to ponder about the afterlife and whether the Ghost is an angel from heaven or devil from hell. Furthermore, Hamlet’s

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