Hamlet by Shakespeare deals with death and diseases. The essay "Death and Diseases in Hamlet" highlights how both are used as metaphors to deal with the actual theme of the play.

In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses the images to relate the play with a greater impact and a mystery of hidden meanings. Among the images Shakespeare uses are that of death, mainly the deaths of Old Hamlet, Polonius, Ophelia, Laertes, and Hamlet himself, respectively--all of which highlights the tragedy that Hamlet suffers; and diseases to portray the deterioration/corruption not only of Denmark but also of the emotional and moral decay of the characters. The play is …

…more about her sin. (The Use of Imagery in Hamlet) Shakespeare uses imagery of death to highlight Hamlet's mental state and his suffering. He also uses decay to further imply the corrupted state of Denmark and diseases to highlight the severity of Claudius' sin and the loathsomeness of his soul. It is the use of these very imageries that create a mysterious aura in Hamlet, making it one of the most memorable Shakespearean plays ever.