Comment on Shakespeare’s treatment of the supernatural elements in ‘Hamlet’

Answer

Comment on Shakespeare’s treatment of the supernatural elements in ‘Hamlet’

or The function of ghosts in Hamlet

Supernatural elements are one of the most essential parts of Shakespeare’s literary Work. Shakespeare (1564-16161)  includes supernatural elements in “Hamlet” (1603) to add depth and complexity to the characters and plot. Towards the initial part of the drama, we can see the ghost of Hamlet. This ghost is the main reactor of this drama. Let’s explore the treatment of supernatural elements in this drama. 

The Presence of the Ghost of King Hamlet: The most important part of Hamlet is the presence of the ghost. The appearance of King Hamlet’s ghost in the play creates a mystical environment. The play opens with Old Hamlet’s Ghost gossiping. Bernardo and Francisco see Old Hamlet’s Ghost, but the Ghost refuses to talk to anyone but Hamlet. After hearing this from Horatio, Hamlet decides to meet the Ghost. Then Hamlet meets the Ghost. He tells Hamlet that Old Hamlet’s death is not natural. Claudius kills Old Hamlet. The Ghost tells Hamlet to take revenge by killing Claudius. Seeing the ghost, Mercellues notes,

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. 

The Ghost comes again when Hamlet talks with his mother, Gertrude. Hamlet accuses his mother of the murder of his father. Hamlet considers his mother a partial plotter against his father. The Ghost forbids Hamlet to accuse her no more. Hamlet said blaming his mother,

One may smile, and smile, and be a villain.

Impacts of Ghost: Hamlet is deeply impacted after meeting with the ghost. He is starting to believe his uncle Claudius and his mother are the murderers and conspirators. After meeting with old Hamlet, Hamlet behaves mad, although his madness increases later. Marcellus also says that Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. It also impacts other characters, such as Claudius, whose guilt is intensified by the ghost’s presence and disclosures. So, all the psychological and mental transformations resulted from supernatural elements such as ghosts. This ghost’s appearance develops the plot of the drama. 

Motivation for Characters: The ghost instigates Hamlet to take revenge for his murder. Hamlet initially doubts his father’s death because of his mother’s marriage to Claudius. When the old Hamlet confirms to him that his murder was not natural and Claudius is responsible for this, then he becomes motivated to take revenge for his father’s murder. In his famous soliloquies, Hamlet reflects on the nature of existence, death, and the afterlife, such as the “To be or not to be, that is the question” speech. He makes a plan and says,

 How strange or odd some’er I bear myself.

Truth Revealer: Before Old Hamlet’s ghost appeared, Hamlet and others were unaware of the truth. But the ghost reveals the truth as Claudius is responsible for his death. Hamlet’s suspicions about his uncle’s treachery prompt him to take action. No one could be concerned about this matter without the ghost’s presence. 

Symbol of Moral Decay and Corruption: The ghost also represents moral decay and corruption in this. It reveals the Claudius’s wickedness. Like the truth revealer, the ghost plays a crucial role in disclosing Claudius’s notorious and conspiracy purposes. Its presence highlights the theme of betrayal and underscores the consequences of political ambition and treachery.

Shakespeare’s treatment of the supernatural elements in “Hamlet” is integral to the play’s exploration of existential, psychological, and moral themes. Shakespeare creates a thought-provoking world using ghosts, ensuring the enduring fascination of “Hamlet” for audiences across centuries.