The Importance of the Ghost Scene in Hamlet essays

The Importance of the Ghost Scene in Hamlet essays Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, is one of the most universally admired and discussed works of literature in the English language. It is about Hamlet, the popular young prince of Denmark, who returns from school because of the news of his fathers death, and finds that his uncle, Claudius, has married his mother and is now King. Hamlet is upset by the death of his father, as well as his mothers hasty and incestuous marriage. To add to his distress, he later finds out that his uncle actually killed his father, and that his fathers ghost wants him to avenge his death. Hamlet resolves to get his revenge on Claudius, and then inexplicably puts it off for the rest of the play. During this time Hamlet acts more and more insane, killing Polonius, behaving cruelly towards his mother and Ophelia, and making dangerous enemies of Claudius and Laertes. The story line culminates in a bloody duel scene in which Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius, and Gertrude are killed. One of the most important scenes in the play, one that would devastate the plays narrative if it were to be taken out, is the scene in which Hamlet is confronted by the ghost of his father, who tells him of his gristly murder, and Hamlets obligation to avenge his death. (Act One, Scene Five) At the time of the scene, the ghost has been appearing to the guards for several nights. Bernado, Marcellus, and Horatio have seen all seen it, but it hasnt spoken to any of them. When Horatio sees that the ghost looks exactly like the late King, he feels sure that it will speak to Hamlet. When the ghost sees Hamlet it beacons him away from Horatio and Marcellus. They plead with him not to go, but he refuses, so they follow him. When the ghost finally speaks he confirms that he is Hamlets father. He describes the tortures he has endured in the afterlife, because he had no chance to receive the ...