William Shakespeare uses many puns in his plays. Pun is a double meaning of a same pronunciation of a different meaningful word. One might be the meaning understood directly and the other can be the metaphorical.
Also, there are two definitions of pun from dictionary:
1. An expression that uses a homonym (two different words spelled identically) to deliver two or more meanings at the same time For example, "When Professor Fudge asked his graduate students to bring a really good lay to the next class, their collective opinion of the scholar went up a notch "
2. A word play suggesting, with humorous intent, the different meanings of one word or the use of two or more words similar in sound but different in meaning
In Hamlet[]
A little more than kin, and less than kind
Hamlet’s words in the play: Claudius related with Hamlet twice: father and uncle. They can be relatives by words but actually Claudius is not really his kin or kind.
Not so, my lord. I am too much in the sun.
Hamlet’s words in the play: Pronunciation of sun can be understood as son. Then, using the word son in the sentence changes the meaning of it. When, Hamlet wants to mean it “son”, he wants to tell Claudius that Claudius in his uncle and stepfather. To be his son is too much relation between Claudius and Hamlet that Hamlet can adjust. Also, the sun can be symbol of the society and he might tell his family relations exhibit in front of the public.
Do you think I meant country matters?
Hamlet’s words to Ophelia in the play: Country matter can be understood like economical or political issues of the country. On the other hand, Hamlet might be explaining Ophelia’s vagina. Then, it might be perceived like “Do you think I meant your vagina?”�