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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 ...
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...
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...
King Lear is a play written by William Shakespeare that focuses on the relationships of many characters, some good, some evil. This is a great tragedy that is full of injustice at the beginning and the restoring of justice towards the end. The good are misjudged as evil and the evil are accepted as good. It is not until the end of...
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...
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...
