Hamlet
Spiritual Poison
Evidence: “O, from this time forth, my thoughts be bloody” Act 4, Scene 4
Delaying in his pursue to avenge the death of his father, this caused Hamlet to be disgusted with himself, and at this moment, he results to bloody violence to fulfill his revenge. Hamlet is poisoned by the thought of violence and revenge. He begins to taste the toxic poison by stating that he is ready to result to “bloody” action.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Spiritual Poison
Evidence:
Rosencrantz: “Put your dread pleasures more into command.”
Guildenstern: “but we both obey And here give up ourselves, in the full bent To lay services at your feet To be commanded.”
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are said to be close friends of Hamlet, but when they are poisoned by the king’s motives and command, they automatically forget about their “friend” and fulfill the requests of the king, because they will benefit from the command. They are poisoned by the idea that they disregard their friendship with Hamlet and submit to the orders of the king for their own personal gain.
Evidence of personal gain:
Queen Gertrude: “supply and profit of our hopes.”
Both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are considered to be “half-men,” they are one entity that commits identical actions. Because they are “one entity” they are poisoned and both suffer the same consequences.
Source: http://trish-m.hubpages.com/hub/Rosencrantz-and-Guildenstern-in-Shakespears-Hamlet-half-men
Imagery:
William Shakespeare utilized Denmark to capture the