Question

Some men are born with a "vicious mole of nature in them," according to Hamlet. What can happen as a result of this one particular defect on the whole person? Explain what Hamlet means when he says, "The dram of evil/Doth all the noble substance often doubt[obliterate]/To his own scandal."

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the protagonist claims that some men are born with a "vicious mole of nature in them," meaning that one small defect (like drinking) can wash away someone's achievements and make people look down on somebody in spite of that person's talent and kindness.

Similarly, Hamlet mentions "The dram of evil" to refer to a small amount of usually whiskey. In that respect, he indicates that a small amount of evil or a flaw can make the admirable or good seem flawed or bad.