Hamlet 1.5 Word Nerd: Hebona

The transcript explores the ambiguity surrounding the poisonous plant mentioned in Shakespeare's play. It discusses the possibility of the plant being henbane or the Yew Tree, both known for their toxicity. The Yew Tree, in particular, is highlighted for its symbolic association with sadness and its potential role in Shakespeare's botanical word play, where the poison is described as creating a bark-like effect on the king's skin.

How is the Yew Tree symbolically represented in literature?

What kind of word play might Shakespeare be indulging in with the description of symptoms?