This paper explores Shakespeare’s choice of poison in Hamlet, Henbane. There is a lot known on the Henbane plant; from the origin of the plant, places it has been used, the negative and positive effects, and how it can be used. This plant can be very toxic if used intentionally in the wrong way. Shakespeare’s knowledge of the plant could have influenced King Hamlet’s death in Hamlet.
Henbane the Choice of Poison in Hamlet and the Effects it has on the Body
Plants have been used since very early times for a variety of things. Many types of plants can be used for food and are edible, some can be toxic to a person when placed within the body. Other plants have been used to cure and treat diseases, being very helpful…show more content… Alkaloids, a group of nitrogen-containing compounds that are physiologically active as poisons or drugs, are found in henbane. The sedative and antispasmodic effect makes it a valuable remedy for Parkinson’s disease, where it relieves tremors and stiffness in the early stages of the disease (Henbane Herb Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects). In the time of Shakespeare it was known that the ear and throat was connected, and if the middle ear had the slightest hole in it from an infection that was all it took to get the poison into someone. This was untraceable, and whatever liquid was into it would go into the throat and right into the victim's body. This knowledge would allow a murderer get away with a crime by using henbane oil as a poison.
Henbanes powers were fully known too and were being used in combinations with other plants. By using the plants dried leaves and seed, this creates a strong poison and if placed inside of the ear, could reach deadly levels into the bloodstream. Of course, if the middle ear was punctured this would create a higher chance of
