Since the dawn of civilization, language has been recognized as a powerful tool for manipulating and controlling people. During the 5th century BC, the sophists of ancient Greece began giving lessons in rhetoric and argumentation. These philosophers for hire realized that the pen is truly mightier than the sword, or as Rosencrantz said, "...many who wear rapiers are afraid of quills." (II.ii.357) This perceived importance of language is clearly evident in the play Hamlet, where words are important driving forces for the plot. For many characters in the play, words serve as weapons to manipulate other people and achieve their personal goals. King Hamlet's murder with ear poison and the ghost's revelation that Denmark's entire ear has been brutally abused undoubtedly foreshadowed the significant role that words play as lethal weapons in the plot. Hamlet, the most eloquent and articulate character in the story, was the unrivaled wielder of these weapons. By gaining his mother's trust and proving Claudius' guilt, Hamlet undoubtedly used language effectively as a weapon. The best demonstration of Hamlet's skillful rhetoric and ability to control situations with his words is in Act 3, Scene 4. In this scene, Gertrude summons Hamlet to her chamber to chastise him for his actions during and after the play . However, Hamlet turns the tables and ultimately convinces Gertrude to his side. Hamlet acknowledges his powers with words and says to himself, “I will speak to her of daggers but I will use none.” (III.ii.389) This metaphor is reciprocated by Gertrude as she says, “Oh, speak no more to me / These words, like daggers, enter my ears.” (III.iv.106-107) The multiple representations of Hamlet's words as daggers affirm the idea that he uses language...... middle of paper ......II.ii.616-617) Just as Hamlet killed Claudius by dousing him with his own poisoned wine, he continues to attack him with puns. “Drink this potion. Is your union here?" (V.ii.340) In one sentence Hamlet refers to the pearl, Claudius's incestuous marriage, and Gertrude's involuntary murder. Although Hamlet did not kill Claudius on his own terms, his manner of using words effectively exposed the king's murderous actions. Hamlet undoubtedly used language effectively as a weapon to manipulate other people and achieve his ultimate goal of revenge words, Hamlet overturned his mother's moral position and confirmed Claudius' guilt. As the American author Washington Irving once wrote: "A sharp tongue is the only sharp instrument that becomes sharper with constant use." Hamlet's sharp tongue and wit were his greatest weapons, and his use proved very effective.