Hamlet is one of the greatest plays written in history by William Shakespeare. It is a tragedy that tells the story of Prince Hamlet who seeks revenge for the murder of his father. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet is melancholy and desperately tries to control his destiny, however, as the play progresses, Hamlet becomes rational and accepts his fate. Shakespeare's powerful use of dark symbols throughout the play illustrates the inevitability of death as it is a universal component of life. Hamlet's clothing, imagery, and use of poison, as well as Yorrick's skull, all symbolize the idea that death is universal and inevitable. Hamlet's wardrobe portrays the certainty of death because it reflects Hamlet's thoughts and feelings of grief. Hamlet is dressed all in black because he is mourning the death of his father. His black attire sets him apart from the rest of the brightly dressed characters, just as his poverty makes him an outsider in the cheerful court. Hamlet's first appearance in the play shows him consumed by grief and haunted by death. Although Hamlet may be dressed in black to indicate his mourning, his emotions run deeper than his appearance and words. When his mother asks him why he seems angry, Hamlet responds by saying, "It is not only my inky cloak, good mother, nor the usual robes of solemn black... That may denote me indeed." These in fact appear, since they are actions that a man could perform; (1.2.77-86)Hamlet's response shows that he has accepted his father's death and is sincerely crying. Hamlet is enraged that everyone was able to forget his father so quickly and that he died. Furthermore, Queen Gerturde's incestuous marriage to Claudius is what causes her inevitable death as she accidentally ends up drinking the poisoned cup meant for Hamlet. Through ironic symbolism, Shakespeare's characters are led to their inevitable deaths through their own actions. Shakespeare shows throughout the play how symbols, including Hamlet's wardrobe, Yorrick's skull, and the use of poison, describe the idea that death, as a natural part of life, is inevitable. . Hamlet is forced to accept the brutal realities of life and the consequences of human behavior after the murder of his father. He struggles emotionally, mentally and physically with his father's death as he faces the implications of avenging his father's murder. With powerful use of dark symbols, Shakespeare reminds his readers of the universality and inevitability of death..