Death and decay often convey corruption in a story. Using this particular imagery helps establish a connection between the natural world and the nature of humans. Throughout Hamlet, a play set in Denmark and written in the early 17th century by William Shakespeare, there are several examples where we see decadence describing corruption. Although this room is filled with massive images of decaying nature, it is also filled with images of nature in its beautiful state. Because Hamlet depicts nature as decaying and developing, he shows that it is possible to maintain a sense of self in a world struggling with corruption. The first image of decadence used in Hamlet dates back to Act 1, Scene 2. Hamlet states: “it is a garden without weeds, / That grows in seed; things are of a noble and gross nature / Just possess them” (Shakespeare 1.2.134-136). In the context, Hamlet, the protagonist, is turned upside down by the world because of certain events that happened to him that turned his life upside down: first, his father is murdered, then his mother marries his brother-in-law. Here, Hamlet is essentially saying that the world is an untended garden, where only weeds grow. This image is symbolic in the sense that it introduces corruption into the story. Through this particular quote, we know that Hamlet is in a world surrounded by complete and utter corruption and chaos. Hamlet is full of characters who have succumbed to the corruption around them. Hamlet's uncle/stepfather Claudius is the most corrupt character in the story. He murdered his brother, married his brother's widow and wrested the throne from his rightful heir. Claudius even admits his own corruption when he says, “Oh, my offense is grievous, it smacks of heaven.” » (Shakespeare 3.3...... middle of paper ...... passed through overgrown weeds. Work Cited "Corruption in Shakespeare's Hamlet." Corruption and degradation in Hamlet. Np, nd Web. May 9 2014. "Images of decay and corruption in Hamlet." hamletenglish30, January 5, 2011. Web. May 9, 2014. "Hamlet Navigator: Themes: weeds and flowers." , nd Web. May 9, 2014. “Resources for Teachers,” nd Web, May 9, 2014. Shakespeare, William: Hamlet New York., 2003..