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The Supernatural In Hamlet And Macbeth - Online Term Paper

The Supernatural In Hamlet And Macbeth

In the time of William Shakespeare there was a strong belief in
the existence of the supernatural. Thus, the supernatural is a recurring
aspect in many of Mr. Shakespeare¹s plays. In two such plays, Hamlet and
Macbeth, the supernatural is an integral part of the structure of the
plot. It provides a catalyst for action, an insight into character, and
augments the impact of many key scenes. The supernatural appears to the
audience in many varied forms. In Hamlet there appears perhaps the most
notable of the supernatural forms, the ghost. However, in Macbeth, not
only does a ghost appear but a floating dagger, witches, and prophetic
apparitions make appearances. The role of the ...

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³What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord,
or to the dreadful summit of the cliff².

The conversation between the ghost and Hamlet serves as a catalyst
for Hamlet¹s later actions and provides insight into Hamlet¹s character.
The information the ghost reveals incites Hamlet into action against a
situation he was already uncomfortable with, and now even more so. Hamlet
is not quick to believe the ghost, ³The spirit that I have seen may be a
devil... and perhaps out of my weakness and my melancholy..abuses me to
damn me², and thus an aspect of Hamlet¹s character is revealed. Hamlet,
having no suspicion of the ghost after the production by the players,
encounters the ghost next in his mother¹s room. In this scene the ghost
makes an appearance to ³whet² Hamlet¹s ³almost blunted purpose². Hamlet is
now convinced of the ghost and he no longer harbors any suspicion. He now
listens to it, ³Speak to her, Hamlet².

In Hamlet, the supernatural is the guiding force behind ...

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The Supernatural In Hamlet And Macbeth. (2008, June 5). Retrieved January 22, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Supernatural-In-Hamlet-And-Macbeth/84780

"The Supernatural In Hamlet And Macbeth." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 5 Jun. 2008. Web. 22 Jan. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Supernatural-In-Hamlet-And-Macbeth/84780>

"The Supernatural In Hamlet And Macbeth." Essayworld.com. June 5, 2008. Accessed January 22, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Supernatural-In-Hamlet-And-Macbeth/84780.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 6/5/2008 03:00:38 PM
Category: Arts
Type: Free Paper
Words: 867
Pages: 4

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