19
Easy2Siksha
The Supernatural in Hamlet
The supernatural is a major force that propels the action in "Hamlet." From the very
beginning, the play introduces us to the ghost of King Hamlet. This ghost isn’t just a vision; it
serves as a crucial plot device. Its appearance raises questions about the reality of the ghost
and its message. Hamlet is skeptical at first. He wonders whether the ghost is a demon in
disguise, tempting him to commit sin, or whether it is truly his father's spirit calling for
revenge.
The ghost brings an element of the unknown into the story. It represents a world beyond
human comprehension—a world of spirits, revenge, and possible damnation. The
uncertainty surrounding the ghost is symbolic of Hamlet's own uncertainty. Throughout the
play, Hamlet struggles to believe fully in the ghost and his message. He questions whether
he can trust the ghost's words or if the apparition is trying to deceive him.
However, the ghost does more than just appear to Hamlet. It plays a significant role in
driving the plot and Hamlet’s inner conflict. When Hamlet speaks to the ghost in Act 1,
Scene 5, it commands him to avenge his father’s murder by killing Claudius, but it also tells
him not to harm his mother, Queen Gertrude. This command sets Hamlet’s course of action
for the rest of the play, but it also complicates his task. Hamlet is caught between obeying
the ghost and his own conscience, which makes him hesitate.
Additionally, the ghost’s appearance symbolizes a disruption in the natural order. In
Elizabethan times, people believed that when a ruler was unjustly killed, it upset the balance
of the universe. The ghost’s presence is a sign that something is deeply wrong in Denmark, a
kingdom plagued by corruption and betrayal.
Hamlet’s Dilemma and Human Nature
While the ghost represents the supernatural forces in "Hamlet," the protagonist’s internal
conflict reflects the natural, human struggle with morality, justice, and decision-making.
After learning of his father’s murder, Hamlet is overwhelmed by feelings of grief, anger, and
confusion. He knows that his uncle Claudius is guilty, but the idea of committing murder,
even in the name of revenge, deeply troubles him. His hesitation is not just because of fear,
but because of his moral and philosophical doubts.
Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, "To be or not to be," captures his inner turmoil. In this speech,
he questions whether it is better to suffer through life’s hardships or to take action, even if
that action involves violence. He is torn between his duty to avenge his father and his fear of
the consequences—both in this life and in the afterlife. This reflects Hamlet's philosophical
nature. He is a thinker, not a man of immediate action. He weighs his options carefully,
trying to find the best course of action.
Throughout the play, Hamlet delays in killing Claudius. He stages a play, "The Mousetrap,"
to confirm Claudius’s guilt. Even after the king’s guilt is confirmed, Hamlet still hesitates. He
catches Claudius praying, but decides not to kill him because he fears that doing so would
send Claudius to heaven. This shows that Hamlet is not just driven by revenge; he is
concerned about the moral and spiritual implications of his actions.