Ghost In Hamlet Research Paper

Throughout the Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, the ghost plays a significant role even though he does not appear in very many scenes. His role in the play aids in the development of the plot and revels information that would otherwise be unknown. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet the ghost plays an intricate role in the downfall of his son by acting through him, making him crazy for revenge, and making him crazy. The ghost of Hamlet’s father selfishly takes advantage of his son during the course of the play. Hamlet is in a venerable state after the death of his father and his father is well aware of this information because he indirectly seeks revenge against his brother through Hamlet. Hamlet’s father sees that his only way to avenge his own death is to act through his son for his own personal gain. This pseudo personal gain
When the ghost implants his own obsession with revenge into Hamlet it derails Hamlet’s mind because revenge is all that he can think about. His insanity is most evident during his conversation with the ghost in front of his mother. Hamlet is able to speak to and see the ghost while his mother cannot. The ghost has to reprimand Hamlet for talking to him in front of his mother. The ghost says, “Speak to her Hamlet” (177 Act III.iv,131). Queen Gertrude is interrogative in her response to Hamlet, “Incorporal air do hold discourse?” (177 Act III.iv,135). She is saying how is it talking to empty air and nobody. Hamlet cannot fathom that she cannot see the ghost which shows his mental state is dwindling. The fact that Hamlet is the only one who can see the ghost in this scene could mean that the ghost doesn’t actually exists and that it is merely just part of his imagination. However, Marcellus and Horatio can hear the ghost in Act I which means that the ghost did exists in Act I but eventually became a figment of Hamlet’s