Hamlet is one of the greatest plays written in history by William Shakespeare. It is a tragedy that tells the story of Prince Hamlet who seeks revenge for the murder of his father. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet is melancholy and desperately trying to control his destiny. However, as the play progresses, Hamlet becomes rational and accepts his fate. Shakespeare's powerful use of dark symbols throughout the play illustrates the inevitability of death as it is a universal component of life. Hamlet's clothing, the imagery and use of poison, and Yorrick's skull all symbolize the idea that death is universal and inevitable. Hamlet's wardrobe represents the certainty of death because it reflects Hamlet's thoughts and feelings of grief. Hamlet is dressed in black because he is mourning the death of his father. His black outfit sets him apart from the rest of the brightly dressed characters, just as his poverty makes him a stranger in the merry court. Hamlet's first appearance in the play shows him consumed by grief and obsessed with death. Although Hamlet may be dressed in black to signify his mourning, his emotions run deeper than his appearance and words. When his mother asks him why he seems upset, Hamlet responds by saying, "It is not only my ink coat, good mother, nor the usual suits of solemn black...It can really mean me." This seems indeed, for these are actions which a man might play; but I have what is happening inside me; they are only the traps and costumes of misfortune. (1.2.77-86) Hamlet's response demonstrates that he has accepted his father's death and is truly grieving. Hamlet is furious that everyone managed to forget his father so quickly and that this h...... middle of paper...... causes deaths. Additionally, Queen Gerturde's incestuous marriage to Claudius results in her inevitable death as she accidentally ends up drinking the poisoned cup intended for Hamlet. Through ironic symbolism, Shakespeare's characters are led to their inevitable deaths by their own actions. Shakespeare shows throughout the play how symbols including Hamlet's wardrobe, Yorrick's skull, and the use of poison depict the idea that death, as a natural part of life, is inevitable. . Hamlet is forced to accept the brutal reality of life and the consequences of human behavior after his father's murder. He struggles emotionally, mentally, and physically with his father's death when he faces the implications of avenging his father's murder. In a powerful use of dark symbols, Shakespeare reminds his readers of the universality and inevitability of death...