Poison, literally and figuratively, affects the lives of many characters in the play, Hamlet. Likewise, Shakespeare lived in a time where lies and deceit were common. Introducing comedy into tragedy, Shakespeare creates a light-hearted play to which most people can relate. Consequently, of all the thirty-seven plays Shakespeare wrote, Hamlet is quoted from the most. This play contains corruption throughout the royal family and close friends. Poison, which causes a series of lies as well as death, has an effect on every character.

Actions of poisonous betrayal may result in death. The late king of Denmark, King Hamlet, dies in his sleep at the hand of Claudius, King Hamlet's jealous brother, who pours poison into the king's ear. Claudius then marries the late king's wife, Gertrude, and gains control of Denmark. Similarly, the whole royal family deceives each other ultimately causing the deaths of the entire family. However...