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The modern scholar attempting any detailed analysis of imagery in the poetry of Shakespeare may well proceed with caution. The lack of a clear and definite statement of terms, the unwillingness to come first to grips with the problem of definition before proceeding with that of analysis may produce pitfalls for the unwary; and although modern studies - especially those of Miss Caroline Spurgeon and her followers - have cast much light upon Shakespeare’s use of imagery, they do not altogether escape the charge of carelessness. Much work remains to be donel and the need for a reconsideration of the work already accomplished, together with a careful re-analysis of the function of imagery in the text of Shakespeare itself, is unquestionable. Herein, then, we have the purpose as well as the justification of the present study. The method of the study will involve: (A) the careful counting and listing of all the images in a mature Shakespearean tragedy; and, (B) the classification of these images according to what appears to be their technical function in the drama itself.

Perhaps the most universally discussed problem in the interpretation of the character of Hamlet is the reason for his delay in carrying out the Ghost's commands and revenging the murder of his father. Certainly Shakespeare makes no mention of the reason for Hamlet's delay. The fact that critics have never been able to untangle this mystery proves that the solution is not presented in an obvious form in the play.