There is No Ghost in Hamlet Essay - 753 Words

Shakespeare fancies the application of ghosts in his plays, Hamlet is no exception. Scholars argue that the ghost in Hamlet is only a figment of Hamlet’s imagination, but how does that explain others witnessing the apparition. Hamlet’s mental state is declining throughout the play, but what is the true cause? From an external view Hamlet appears insane, whether or not he is insane is left ambiguous. If he is insane, is the traumatic loss of his father causing Hamlet to see a ghost or is the ghost real indeed? The ghost first appears to three soldiers on guard: Bernado, Francisco, and Marcellus, along with Horatio, a friend of Hamlet and visitor to Denmark. Bernado and Marcellus desire to reveal the ghost they have witnessed for the past†¦show more content†¦Pursuing vengeance, the ghost tells Hamlet, â€Å"Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. Having only one goal, Hamlet begins his quest to avenge his father. Before the ghost departs, it advises Hamlet to hasten with his commission. Urgently, Hamlet devises a scheme to assassinate Claudius. Pretending to be insane is Hamlet’s cover and protection from being caught. Fearing suspicion the ghost tells Hamlet to keep quiet about his plans and not mention a thing to his mother, Gertrude. Enraged, Hamlet immediately believes his mother is part of the reason his father is death, but this is not the case. According to Hamlet, his insanity is merely an act, but his actions throughout the drama beg to differ. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. asserts, â€Å"Be careful what you pretend to be because you are what you pretend to be.† Slowly Hamlet’s mental state deteriorates and he is willing to stop for nothing to kill Claudius. Delaying, Hamlet continues to avoid murdering Claudius. After hesitating to kill Claudius, Hamlet flees to his mother’s room. Polonius hides in Gertrude’s room while Hamlet is speaking with his mother, but Hamlet soon catches on and murders Polonius. Shocked, Gertrude confronts Hamlet about the murder, but Hamlet retaliates by asserting, A bloody deed! almost as bad, goodShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Ghost In Hamlet761 Words   |  4 Pagesstories, ghosts play an important part in the plot, as they enhance the reader’s view of the characters and the events that take place. The play, Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, in 1609, explores the theme of ghosts and real people living around them. The play is about Prince Hamlet, whose father was murdered during his sleep by his brother, Claudius, who later became the king and married Prince Hamlet’s mother. 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