The Ghost's Role in Hamlet: A Failure or Justified Manipulation?
Is the Ghost's attempt to manipulate Hamlet successful or justified, or is it a series of missteps that lead to an upheaval of the Danish court? This question invites us to explore the complex relationship between the spectral figure and the young prince, as well as the broader moral and ethical dimensions of the play.
Manipulation vs. Motivation
The term 'manipulation' suggests that the Ghost is actively trying to control Hamlet's actions to achieve a specific outcome. However, we might also interpret the ghost's appearances and words as motivation and warning. The ghost is reminding Hamlet of his obligations and the consequences of his actions. This could be seen as a form of guidance, rather than manipulation. The Ghost is, in essence, providing Hamlet with a moral compass in a world where everything seems increasingly chaotic and dark.
The Downfall of the Ghost's Plan
Hamlet's journey is marked by indecision and contemplation. Had he proceeded with his plan to kill Claudius during prayer in Act II, he might have fulfilled the ghost's desires without the subsequent destabilization of the Danish court. Instead, Hamlet's impulsive and irresolute actions led to tragic consequences. The ghost's caution against exterminating his bloodline and the ceding of the throne to the Norwegians were not heeded, resulting in a court upheaval that the ghost clearly did not desire.
The ghost, upon witnessing the outcome, appears to be disgusted with Hamlet's actions. His lack of involvement in the epilogue suggests a sense of frustration or even disappointment. It seems the ghost had higher expectations for Hamlet's actions—a broker of justice and honor instead of a man whose indecision leads to destruction.
Open Questions and Future Ghosts
Another interesting angle to this discussion is the presence of multiple ghosts and spirits by the end of the play. Would these spirits continue to haunt Elsinore, and if so, how might they interact? Would Ophelia still love Hamlet, or would she be tormented by her own fate and the revelations of the ghost's presence? Could the ghost of Hamlet’s father be joined by the gravedigger’s ghost, who always gets the last laugh?
Moral and Ethical Considerations
When we ask if the Ghost's involvement was justified or not, we are confronted with the play's pluralistic moral framework. There are multiple codes of ethics operating within the play. By Christian morality, the Ghost's actions might be seen as justified in seeking revenge against a murderer. However, by the code of the revenge tragedy itself, the methods may be questioned. The intent of the ghost, to gain revenge, is clear, but the means he chooses are questionable.
Shakespeare's play Hamlet is a complex interplay of old and new moral philosophies. The ghost represents the old school of thought—revenge as the only remedy for wrong. Hamlet, however, embodies the new, modern man of the Renaissance, torn between his university education and the practical realities of court politics. This conflict creates a powerful dramatic tension, highlighting the struggle between tradition and modernity, between immediate gratification and long-term consequences.
The Ghost's Role in the Drama
The ghost's role in Hamlet is multifaceted. It serves as a catalyst for Hamlet's actions but also as a reminder of the broader cultural and moral context in which the play is set. Shakespeare masterfully intertwines the external world of political intrigue with the internal world of Hamlet's psyche. The soliloquies, drawn from Montaigne's introspective essays, provide a personal reflection of Hamlet's struggles. Additionally, the play nods to the ancient Greek The Oresteia, where the pursuit of justice through vengeance is challenged by the notion of achieving justice through law.
Shakespeare's Hamlet can be seen as a nod to the traditional genre of the revenge tragedy, reimagined with contemporary themes. The ghost manipulates not in the traditional sense of controlling Hamlet's actions, but rather as a means to set in motion a series of crises. These crises give rise to profound questions about reality, illusion, and the nature of justice. Shakespeare ensures that the ghost's presence is never forgotten, maintaining a balance between genre expectations and the profundity of the characters' internal conflicts.
Ultimately, the ghost's manipulation, if we choose to view it that way, is a reflection of the broader themes of Hamlet. It is a complex, multifaceted entity that both guides and confounds, making the play a rich and rewarding exploration of human nature, morality, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.