The theme of betrayal is ever-present in Hamlet. It is used to highlight the fact that Hamlet feels himself to be the only trustworthy person in a kingdom that is morally corrupt. A good quotation that illustrates this theme comes in act 3, scene 4, when Hamlet accuses Gertrude of having insulted his father by marrying Claudius.

In Act 3 of Hamlet, several allusions enrich the themes of betrayal, revenge, and death. Polonius's reference to Julius Caesar's assassination highlights betrayal and foreshadows his own death. Claudius's mention of Cain and Abel underscores his guilt and the theme of fratricide. Allusions to Termagant, Herod, and Vulcan emphasize the theatrical motif and Hamlet's inner turmoil. Mythological references in the play within a play and Nero further explore themes of revenge and internal conflict.

Shakespeare explores masculinity in Hamlet through the protagonist's struggle to adhere to societal expectations. Hamlet grapples with avenging his father's murder while maintaining his integrity, often expressing masculinity through cruelty and feigned madness. Claudius' reference to Hamlet's "unmanly grief" and Hamlet's own disparaging remarks about women highlight the complex views on masculinity, leaving the audience to judge the characters' behaviors.

In Hamlet's soliloquy, the theme revolves around his profound melancholy over his father's death and his contemplation of suicide as an escape from his misery. Figurative language includes wordplay such as "cannon" and "canons 'gainst self-slaughter," and imagery depicting Gertrude's relationship with Claudius as "incestuous sheets," emphasizing Hamlet's disapproval. The soliloquy also contrasts the solidity of the body with the ghostly apparition, highlighting Hamlet's inner turmoil.

The main theme of Act 4 in Hamlet is the descent into madness. This is evident in Hamlet's erratic behavior, his insolent responses to Claudius, and Ophelia's psychological breakdown following her father's death. Additionally, themes of deception and inaction are highlighted through the actions of Hamlet, Claudius, and other characters, emphasizing the idea that appearances can be deceiving and that inaction is itself a decision.

In Hamlet, trust is a central theme, often marked by its absence. Hamlet grapples with trusting the ghost, fearing it might deceive him into committing regicide. He expresses distrust towards Ophelia, suspecting her of betrayal, leading to harsh treatment. Hamlet's self-doubt reflects his lack of trust in his own ability to avenge his father. He also distrusts Polonius and Claudius, feigning madness to mislead them. Finally, Hamlet questions his mother's loyalty, unsure of her involvement in his father's murder.

The theme of loyalty versus disloyalty in "Hamlet" highlights how these forces drive the tragic events. Loyalty to familial duty compels Hamlet and Laertes to seek revenge, leading to multiple deaths. Conversely, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's disloyalty to Hamlet, by siding with King Claudius, results in betrayal and their demise. Gertrude's perceived disloyalty to King Hamlet fuels Hamlet's rage, contributing to his actions against Claudius and worsening his relationship with Ophelia.

The themes of superstition and envy are evident in the first four scenes of Act 1. Superstition is highlighted by the belief in ghosts, as seen with the watchmen and Horatio's initial skepticism, which turns to acceptance of the ghost as an evil omen. Envy is shown through Claudius, who killed his brother out of jealousy for his kingdom and queen. Hamlet and others view the ghost's appearance as a foreboding sign for Denmark.

In Hamlet's instructions to the actors, "Termagant" refers to a mythical god Elizabethans thought Muslims worshipped, symbolizing overacting. "It out herods Herod" alludes to the biblical King Herod, notorious for excessive violence, paralleling Claudius. Hamlet warns against excessive dramatics to subtly expose Claudius's guilt. The "hobbyhorse" in Hamlet's remark to Ophelia alludes to May-Day festivals and forgotten traditions, reflecting on memory and disparaging Ophelia, contributing to her tragic fate.

Scenes in Hamlet that can be cut without affecting key themes or issues include the Ghost's speech in Act 1, Scene 5, Hamlet's exchanges with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and the dialogue with the Gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1. Additionally, parts of Act 1, Scene 1, Act 2, Scene 1, Act 2, Scene 2, Act 3, Scene 1, and various scenes in Act 4 can be trimmed or removed.