Class Model - Corruption in 'Hamlet'

How is corruption explored at the beginning of the play?

In the opening Act of ‘Hamlet’, Shakespeare explores the effects of a morally corrupt monarchy through his portrayal of Claudius and Gertrude in order to address concerns over the misuse of power. In Act 1 Scene 2, we witness the celebration of Claudius and Gertrude’s incestuous marriage, and throughout Act 1 the effect of this union on Denmark, its subjects and Hamlet are explored.

·      Weather + anxiety in Scene 1.

·      Appearance of the ghost.

·      Effect of marriage and ghost = forces Hamlet to question his own morals.