1. "This goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory" (Act II, Scene II)
* Metaphor: The Earth is compared to a barren, unproductive headland.
* Meaning: Hamlet expresses his disillusionment with life and the world. He sees it as pointless and empty, lacking purpose or meaning.
2. "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more" (Act II, Scene II)
* Metaphor: Life is compared to a fleeting theatrical performance.
* Meaning: Hamlet emphasizes the transient nature of human existence. We are all actors playing our parts, but our time on stage is limited, and our lives ultimately fade into oblivion.
3. "The time is out of joint. O cursed spite, / That ever I was born to set it right!" (Act I, Scene V)
* Metaphor: Time is compared to a dislocated joint.
* Meaning: Hamlet believes the world is in a state of disorder and chaos, and he feels a burden to rectify it.
4. "To be or not to be, that is the question" (Act III, Scene I)
* Metaphor: The choice between life and death is presented as a philosophical question, like a mathematical equation.
* Meaning: This famous line is not technically a metaphor, but it uses figurative language to express the fundamental dilemma of existence. Hamlet explores the pros and cons of living with suffering versus ending it all through suicide.
These are just a few examples of the many metaphors found in Hamlet. Shakespeare's use of figurative language enriches the play and allows for deeper explorations of themes like mortality, revenge, and the nature of reality.