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 no longer harbors any suspicion. He now listens to it,

'Speak to her, Hamlet'.

In Hamlet, the supernatural is the guiding force behind

Hamlet. The ghost ask Hamlet to seek revenge for the King's ...

You are currently seeing 50% of this paper.

You're seeing 460 words of 920.

Read the full essay

Allegory of the Cave by Plato

?The Allegory of the Cave? in Different Perspectives ?The Allegory of the Cave,? written by Plato, is an interpretation of a conversation between Socrates, Plato?s mentor, and Glaucon, one of Socrates students. ?The Allegory of the Cave? can be interpreted several different ways. Imagine men in a cave chained up by their necks an...

27 reviews

Download

Lord Of The Flies - Analyzing

Ralph, the first character introduced to the audience, is probably the most likable character in the entire story. Although he does not ponder such deeply like Piggy, is not as spiritual like Simon, or as energetic as Jack, there is something in him that attracts the audience. Ralph serves as the protagonist of the story. He is described as bei...

108 reviews

Download

Antigone - Analysis of Greek Ideals

In Ancient Greece, new ideals surfaced as answers to life's complicated questions. These new beliefs were centered around the expanding field of science. Man was focused on more than the Gods or heavenly concerns. A government that was ruled by the people was suggested as opposed to a monarchy that had existed for many years. Freed...

68 reviews

Download

Heart of Darkness

In Joseph Conrad's book the Europeans are cut off from civilization, overtaken by greed, exploitation, and material interests from his own kind. Conrad develops themes of personal power, individual responsibility, and social justice. His book has all the trappings of the conventional adventure tale - mystery, exotic setting...

169 reviews

Download

Animal Farm Relating To Russia

Greed for Power, and Cruelty: Making Followers In Animal Farm, George Orwell demonstrates the danger of unquestioning acceptance of ideas and actions that are ?supposed to represent? a better way of life. Throughout the book there are many examples of hatred and evil undermining what sounds like a great utopia when introduced, but not when they ar...

58 reviews

Download