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Supernatural in Shakespeares Plays - Hamlet and Macbeth
Books related to Supernatural in Shakespeare's Plays-
Supernatural in Shakespeare's Plays-
In the time of William Shakespeare there was a strong belief
in the existence of the supernatural. Thus, the supernatural is a
recurring aspect in many of Mr. Shakespeare_s plays. In two such plays, Hamlet and Macbeth, the supernatural is an integral part of
the structure of the plot. It provides a catalyst for action, an insight into character, and augments the impact of many key scenes.
The supernatural appears to the audience in many varied forms. In Hamlet there appears perhaps the most notable of the supernatural
forms, the ghost. However, in Macbeth, not only does a ghost appear but a floating dagger, witches, and prophetic apparitions make
appearances. The role of the supernatural is very important in Hamlet and Macbeth.
A ghost, appearing in the form of Hamlet_s father, makes several appearances in the play. It first appears to the watchmen,
Marcellus and Bernardo, along with Horatio near the guardsmens? post. The ghost says nothing to them and is perceived with fear and
apprehension, _It harrows me with fear and wonder_. It is not until
the appearance of Hamlet that the ghost speaks, and only then after
Horatio has expressed his fears about Hamlet following it, _What if it
tempt you toward the flood, my lord, or to the dreadful summit of the
cliff_.
The conversation between the ghost and Hamlet serves as a
catalyst for Hamlet_s later actions and provides insight into Hamlet_s
character. The information the ghost reveals incites Hamlet into
action against a situation he was already uncomfortable with, and now
even more so. Hamlet is not quick to believe the ghost, _The spirit
that I have seen may be a devil? and perhaps out of my weakness and
my melancholy..abuses me to damn me_, and thus an aspect of Hamlet_s
character is revealed. Hamlet, having no suspicion of the ghost after
the production by the players, encounters the ghost next in his
mother_s room. In this scene the ghost makes an appearance to _whet_
Hamlet_s _almost blunted purpose_. Hamlet is now convinced of the
ghost and he ...
Romeo and Juliet - Chain of Human Actions In the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, two teenagers are controlled by a chain of human actions. Act 4, scenes 1,3 and 5, are a good representation of the web of human actions that cause tragedy between the pair of ?star crossed lovers? (prologue). One example of hu...
Shakespeare wrote many plays during his lifetime. Some of his plays have similar comedic characteristics and then other plays are the exact opposite of comedy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, romance, history, comedy and problem plays all with great success. During the performance of these plays there was no scenery so great time was...
The Taming of the Shrew - Humour In The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare creates humour through his characters by creating false realities (as demonstrated by Petruchio?s behaviour and attire in the scene of his wedding) and by the use of subterfuge and mistaken identity (shown in the final scenes with the transformation of Kate and...
Darkness in our society is indicative of evil. For instance, a black cat, a dark night, and a dark place are all symbolic of diablerie. Authors use these symbols to describe an evil character or setting. William Shakespeare employs the imagery of darkness in Act 4 of his play Macbeth to describe the agents of disorder. The witches,...
Great literary works retain their popularity as a result of many different factors. One such factor which can lead to popularity of a work, current or consistent discussion of a work?s merits, can come into play when an author or playwright leaves questions unanswered in his work. In Hamlet, William Shakespeare creates such a situa...
Julius Caesar - Analysis of Caesar Essay on Caesar In Shakespeare?s play of ?Caesar? Brutus is a conspirator who portrays a person who favors a republic for Rome. Brutus is an honorable man. Many characters in the play show there reverence for Brutus. Brutus exemplifies his honor in many ways. Brutus is obsequious when he is needed...
Hamlet - Cultural Identity In William Shakespeare?s play Hamlet, the concept of cultural identity is explored through Hamlet?s isolation which is created by the conflict between his duty to his father, and his duties to the monarchy and society. Hamlet is isolated from his society due to his turbulent emotions which result from his...
In Shakespeare?s ?A Midsummer Night?s Dream? the mortal teenage characters fall in love foolishly, and the character Bottom states, ?O what fools these mortals be?. They are foolish because they act like children. Although Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius, and Helena appear grown-up, when they are in love they act foolishly. The four te...
Macbeth is a very exciting story containing all kinds of plots and murders. The characters that are killing and are planning murders are all very deceiving and treacherous. Two of the most dangerous criminals in this play are Lady Macbeth and her husband. Together they commit the most dreadful murder by killing the King; Duncan. Th...
Shakespeare wrote many plays during his lifetime. Some of his plays have similar comedic characteristics and then other plays are the exact opposite of comedy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, romance, history, comedy and problem plays all with great success. During the performance of these plays there was no scenery so great time was...
Everyone who is mortal has at least one flaw. Some are more serious than others. For example, some people have addictions to gambling, while other people can?t remember to put the milk away after they use it. After a while though, a person?s flaws come back to haunt them. The tragedy MacBeth is no exception to this. In it, many of...
Claudius & Hamlet, would the inhumane and sick character please step forth. Upon reading the sampling of ?Hamlet? criticisms in John Jump?s ?Hamlet (Selections)? I disagreed with a few of the critics, but my analysis was the most different from Wilson Knight?s interpretation. He labels Hamlet as ?a sick, cynical, and inhumane pri...
Macbeth - Supernatural Theme The presence of supernatural forces in William Shakespeare?s, ?Macbeth,? provides for much of the play?s dramatic tension and the mounting suspense. Several supernatural apparitions throughout the play profoundly affect Macbeth and the evil forces eventually claim Macbeth and destroy his morals. Macbe...
Certain parallels can be drawn between William Shakespeare?s plays, ?A Midsummer Night?s Dream?, and ?Romeo and Juliet?. These parallels concern themes and prototypical Shakespearian character types. Both plays have a distinct pair of ?lovers?, Hermia and Lysander, and Romeo and Juliet, respectively. Both plays could have also easi...
