The Ghost Is a Useful Dramatic Device; Essay - 1444 Words

During the Elizabethan period, a ghost was seen as a common feature in most tragedy plays. Shakespeares Hamlet is a prime example of the use of a `ghost to entice fear and apprehension amongst the Elizabethan audience. The ghost can be seen as projecting several functions throughout the play, all of which are vital to the plays ultimate impact. An Elizabethan audience were highly superstitious, held Roman Catholic beliefs of purgatory and were extremely fearful of afterlife and the uncertainty that surrounded it. Such views were powerful connotations that aided Shakespeare to influence his audience with considerable impact. However, the implications of a ghost were seen as very different for a Elizabethan audience as compared with†¦show more content†¦If a ghost appeared he could only speak when the world was directed to him first. This had to be done by that person for whom the message was destined. In the play the ghost already appears in act 1 scene 1. Marcellus, Bernando and Horatio are the first persons to get into contact with the dead king. If thou hast any sound or use of voice, speak to me. (1.1.141-142) the only person that the ghost speaks to however is Hamlet. At night-time to witch hour a ghost was able to appear and only as long as it was dark. My hour is almost come, when I to sulphur and tormenting flames must render up myself. (1.5.4-6). A ghost is not visible to everybody. In the last appearance of the ghost in the Queens closet it is only Hamlet who can see and hear him. The queen is wondering Alas, hes mad! (111.4.119), to whom do you speak this? (111.4.146). this changes h er whole attitude toward Hamlet. She now thinks that he is mad and mentally unstable. The queen is not able to see the ghost, and as a result cannot discourage Hamlet from the actions he may take. This shows that the ghosts impact directly influences characters within the play. By initially only speaking to Hamlet, it can be seen as a dramatic device to forward the plot, the ghosts appearance directly motivates Hamlets actions throughout the play and only appears when he is in denial aboutShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeares Hamlet1172 Words   |  5 PagesHamlet is a complex story that uses many literary devices to help develop the characters in Hamlet. One dominant device is irony. The main plot of the story revolves around irony. Hamlet is a witty character and loves to use irony. Hamlet’s use of irony displays how he insults people, discovers useful information, and reveals his true character. The use of irony in this story helps to add depth to each character, which is why Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most complex stories. 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