How does Shakespeare present ideas of disorder, corruption and decay in Act 1 of Hamlet?

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How does Shakespeare present ideas of disorder, corruption and decay in Act 1 of Hamlet?

Hamlet was believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601 by William Shakespeare, and is considered one of Shakespeare's most prestigious and renowned plays. It is a tragedy and therefore traditionally ends with a death. The numerous accounts of disorder, corruption and decay throughout the play link with the theme of a tragedy and this may be why Shakespeare made many suggestions of this throughout.

The play's opening scene is at night in Denmark, where it is very cold. This immediately gives a sense of anxiousness. There are two sentinels (guards) to stop intruders. This means that the people they are protecting are possibly at war and have enemies. Immediately, Shakespeare is suggesting an unpleasant start to the play, it being at night, very cold, and guards protecting people from enemies.

The first line of the scene, 'who's there?' immediately gives a sense of urgency and panic. Barnardo is challenging everyone who approaches. Francisco's words, 'tis bitter cold, and I am sick at heart' gives a sense of death and illness. Then he Barnardo repeats himself when