How does Shakespeare use language to describe Claudius as a villain?

The first 200 words of this essay...

Rafik Maged, SR4 C.

Hamlet Coursework

How does Shakespeare use language to describe Claudius as a villain?

Claudius's calculating nature becomes immediately apparent in Act1, Scene2.Always conscious of appearance -of what seems to be- he speaks to Gertrude as "our sometime sister, now our queen,/Th' imperial jointress to this warlike state," and then addresses Hamlet as his "cousin Hamlet and my son". He has considered his relationships to the state, to Gertrude, and to Hamlet in all ways people might perceive them, and manages to cover himself entirely. He has prepared explanations for both his hasty marriage to Gertrude and for the fact that, though fewer than two months have elapsed, the country no longer mourns king Hamlet's passing, and not even the grieving widow misses him. When Claudius turns on Hamlet and accuses him of "impious stubbornness," he is clearly asserting his position of power over the younger man as well as over his kingdom. He scolds Hamlet in a manner befitting a concerned parent and a responsible monarch. The act fails to impress Hamlet. But Claudius remains unaware that his ruse itself ineffective.

Claudius further invalidates Hamlet by demeaning