Ghost Being A Figment Of People's Imagination example essay topic
490 words
Hamlet's Ghost In the Shakespearean time period people believed in ghosts and reported them, so it makes sense that Shakespeare would write about a ghost appearing in the play. There is plenty of evidence in the play to prove that the ghost is real. In the first act the ghost appears to two soldiers Marcellus, and Barnardo, as well as to Hamlet's friend Horatio, who is a very credible and intelligent person. The same ghost appeared to Hamlet several times through out the play also. These facts eliminate the chance of this ghost being a figment of people's imagination because too many people saw the same thing. In act 1 scene 1 it is revealed that the ghost appeared twice wearing the same armor King Hamlet wore when he fought the ambitious old Fortinbras, King of Norway, and also when he defeated the Poles. Young Fortinbras is determined to get back the land his father lost. This fact brings more in depth evidence to the ghost being real. The reason the guards are there on watch is a direct relationship to an attack from Fortinbras and the ghost is wearing the armor of the event that started this whole thing. When the ghost asks Hamlet to avenge his death, he reveals a true fact involving the death of King Hamlet: Ghost.
I find thee apt; and duller shouldst thou the fat weed that roots itself in ease on lethe wharf wouldst thou not stir in this. Now, Hamlet, hear. 'tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, a serpent stung me. So the whole ear of Denmark in by a forged process of my death rankly abused. But know, thou noble youth, the serpent that did sting thy father's life now wears his crown. Hamlet. O, my prophetic soul!
My uncle! (1.3. 38-48) Later in the play is revealed that Claudius murdered King Hamlet in order to achieve the crown himself. This fact proves the reality of the ghost. Claudius admits to killing King Hamlet in a prayer: '... since I am still possessed of those effects for which I did the murder: My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen... '; (3.3 57-59) The ghost told Hamlet about that fact before Claudius ever admits it. The sanity of Hamlet comes into question, but is not relevant because there are three other witnesses.
However the ghost appeared to Hamlet in the presence of Gertrude, he saw it she didn't. This doesn't necessarily mean Hamlet is crazy. Maybe the ghost only appears to whom it wants to appear to. The ghost may not want Gertrude to know about the plan to kill Claudius The evidence in the play shows the fact that the ghost was real. The ghost was not a figment of people's imagination.
