Hamlet Aspects Essay, Research Paper

In the play, "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, many aspects contribute

to the tale of tragedy, but of these there is one thing that is purely essential

to this famous story : the ghost of King Hamlet. The ghost of King Hamlet is so

important to "Hamlet" on so many levels, accounting for most issues,

directly or indirectly, that are involved in the drama. The intrigue of the pale

specter creates many things such as Hamlet’s procrastination, it also projects

the image of Hamlet’s madness, and most importantly, it provides the plot of the

story: Hamlet seeking revenge for King Hamlet’s murder. The mystery that was set

at the beginning of the play, with the appearance of the king’s ghost, was

resolved when his son Hamlet went to the battlements after a quick game of

follow the leader. This is where King Hamlet’s visage speaks to Hamlet, saying

not the most famous words of the play, but the words with the most meaning. At

this time King Hamlet tells his son the truth of his death. Here it is revealed

that King Hamlet did not die of a tragic accident, but of a treacherous betrayal

by his own dear brother. With this event revealed the story is set in motion

with Hamlet seeking to avenge his father’s untimely demise and with Hamlet also

seeking the death of Claudius. With Hamlet’s new found knowledge about the

murderous Claudius, another aspect of Hamlet is shed light upon. Hamlet’s so

called "procrastination" is brought forth with the apparition’s

information. Because the prince was unknowing of his father’s true identity,

whether he was truly his father, King Hamlet, or a devious imposter sent by the

devil himself to make Hamlet commit a deed of unrepentable evil. To make sure

the accusations of the spirit were true, Hamlet set out on a quest to test the

validity of the statements made. So, through half the play, Hamlet goes forth

looking for clues, finding no hard evidence but plenty of suspicion. It wasn’t

until the actors came that he pondered on an idea that would test the truth of

the words that were circulating in his mind. Here Hamlet decided "the play

is the thing, to catch the conscience of the King". That he did, proving

that Claudius was indeed responsible for killing his father, therefore proving

the identity of the ghost being actually his father. In most of Shakespeare’s

plays, madness plays a major role and Hamlet is no exception. In Romeo &

Juliet mad love played an important part in the tragedy. In even closer ties,

Macbeth’s run in with the ghost of Banquo also proved to be an important

additive. The appearance of Banquo to only the eyes of Macbeth displayed to his

guests a visage of madness. This case is also true in Hamlet, but in a slightly

different manner. In Hamlet, the coming of the apparition did not totally create

the image of Hamlet being mad. To begin with he was not the first and only

person to see this ghost of King Hamlet. Only with the testimony of Horatio,

Marcellus, and Barnardo did Hamlet even know that this apparition existed. The

impression of Hamlet being crazy was not present in his first encounter with the

ghost, but in another. After the first meeting with the specter, Hamlet made his

three accomplices swear not to tell anyone about what they saw. So instead of

sweeping through Denmark that the King was present in a less substantial manner,

no body knew of the ghost’s existence. So comes the ghost’s second encounter

with Hamlet. This time it occurs in the "closet" of Queen Gertrude

while Hamlet is pleading with his mother to lay off of Claudius because of

Claudius’s dark deed. Right before Hamlet was to totally sell his speech to

Gertrude, his ranting got out of hand and his father’s form appeared again,

warning Hamlet not to harm his mother for a second time. While Hamlet was

conversing with his father, the Queen stood in dismay not knowing who Hamlet was

talking to because of her lack of ability to see her ex-husband. This convinced

Queen Gertrude that Hamlet was truly mad and she totally dismissed the ideas

that were recently programmed in her mind. With out the mad appearance of Hamlet

and his noted procrastination, "Hamlet" would not be as popular as it

is today. Certainly without its detailed plot the story would have little

meaning and little effect. Therefore, where would the play be without King

Hamlet’s insubstantial visit.

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