Similarities Between Hamlet And Macbeth

Witchcraft and the supernatural have been prevalent themes throughout theatrical history. Many authors and playwrights have written literary works involving witches, wizards, ghosts, and other mystical beings. William Shakespeare, one of the world’s most renowned playwrights, was no stranger to otherworldly premises, for many of his plays and sonnets reference other-worldly forces and people. The ghost of Hamlet’s father in Hamlet and the three witches in Macbeth are central to the plays’ plots. They are a major force in determining the actions of the heroes and are an integral part of the atmosphere of the play as a whole. Both Hamlet and Macbeth have their morals manipulated by supernatural forces and, as a result, end up questioning their
Towards the beginning of each play, Hamlet and Macbeth both encounter metaphysical beings and are given vital information through these entities. When Hamlet first meets the ghost of his father, he is asked to “revenge his most foul and unnatural murder” (Hamlet 1.5.25). At this point in the play, neither Hamlet nor the audience knows if the ghost is speaking the truth, yet Hamlet becomes infuriated with
These forces influence the moral consciences of both characters and allow their tragic flaws to be revealed. While Hamlet spends too much time contemplating his actions and motives, Macbeth acts brashly, giving his actions little to no thought. These emotions felt highlight each character’s tragic flaw and are ultimately what lead to their respective demises. Had Hamlet and Macbeth not possessed those qualities, they may not have been so easily susceptible to their resultant feelings of guilt and remorse. Hamlet and Macbeth’s respective tragic flaws are what enabled them to be influenced by unearthly forces; their morals, thoughts, and emotions were corrupted by these beings because they failed to recognize their inherent tragic flaws until it was too