Shakespeares Definition Of A Ghost Essay - 1172 Words

Shakespeares Definition of a Ghost nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The American Heritage Dictionary, published in 1973, defines a ghost as, quot;the spirit or shade of a dead person, supposed to haunt living persons or former habitats.quot; Unfortunately, this simple definition does not explain where a ghost comes from or why it haunts. When used in the context of Shakespeares Hamlet, this definition seems to suggest that the ghost who visits Hamlet truly is his dead father seeking revenge. To the modern reader, this straightforward interpretation adequately characterizes the ghost and his purpose; however, to the Elizabethan audience the ghosts identity proved more complex. For the Elizabethans, four different types of ghosts†¦show more content†¦Thus, as an omen, the ghost does little more than foreshadow the coming tragedy in Shakespeares Hamlet. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;When Hamlet first encounters the ghost he truly believes it is his father. Perhaps out of shock, Hamlet quickly certifies the validity of the ghost, quot;It is an honest ghost, that let me tell youquot; (I.v.138). Hamlets trust in the ghost causes him to promise revenge before he has clearly processed the possible consequences; Hamlet does not ask questions, he simply believes. According to custom, if a father was killed it was up to the son to seek the proper reparations, often the death of the murderer. Thus it is no wonder that Hamlets thoughts rapidly turn toward revenge once he hears the ghosts story. Hamlet cannot be blamed for his initial trust; it is typical of a first emotional reaction to rush blindly without considering consequences or repercussions. Furthermore, Shakespeare makes it clear at the beginning of the play that Hamlets mourning is especially deep and prolonged, quot;How is it that the clouds still hang on you?quot; (I.ii.65) questions Claudius. Hamlet wants to believe the ghost because its presence allows him to converse with a father he so dearly misses, and whose untimely death preventedShow MoreRelatedOccult and Supernatural Elements in Macbeth1402 Words   |  6 PagesAlthough Macbeth is not classed as being a supernatural play or a play of the occult, there are some elements in the play that Shakespeare uses to effect. It is necessary however, to define what is meant by the terms ‘occult’ and ‘supernatural’: the term ‘occult’ is defined as being ‘supernatural beliefs, practises or phenomenon’ and the term ‘supernatural’ is defined as being ‘attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature’; both these terms can be associated withRead MoreNatural vs. Unnatural in Shakespeare ´ s Macbeth Essay736 Words   |  3 PagesNatural vs. Unnatural The term supernatural was first used in 1520-30 AD. 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