How does the ghost want Hamlet to treat Claudius?
In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the presence of the ghost plays a pivotal role in shaping the protagonist’s actions and motivations. The ghost’s appearance to Hamlet reveals the tragic circumstances of his father’s death and his uncle Claudius’s role in it. The question of how the ghost wants Hamlet to treat Claudius becomes a central theme in the play, as it drives the plot and ultimately leads to the tragic conclusion. This article explores the various ways in which the ghost influences Hamlet’s attitude towards Claudius and the consequences of his actions.
The ghost’s first interaction with Hamlet is marked by a sense of urgency and a demand for revenge. The ghost explicitly tells Hamlet, “Thou must give sentence to thy father’s ghost” (Act 1, Scene 4). This command suggests that the ghost expects Hamlet to avenge his father’s death by confronting and dealing with Claudius. The ghost’s demand for justice sets the stage for Hamlet’s journey of seeking revenge, and it establishes Claudius as the primary antagonist of the play.
However, the ghost’s instructions are not as straightforward as they seem. The ghost emphasizes that Hamlet must be cautious and patient in his pursuit of justice. He warns Hamlet, “Beware my son, the foul and ugly deed / Doth move thee to thy father’s churlish soul” (Act 1, Scene 4). This warning suggests that Hamlet should not act impulsively or out of anger, as that would only serve to further dishonor his father’s memory. The ghost’s advice to Hamlet is to approach the situation with wisdom and prudence.
The ghost’s influence on Hamlet’s treatment of Claudius also extends to the nature of the revenge itself. The ghost does not explicitly demand that Hamlet kill Claudius, but rather that he seeks justice for his father’s death. This implies that Hamlet should find a way to expose Claudius’s guilt and bring him to justice, rather than simply taking matters into his own hands. The ghost’s ambiguous instructions leave room for interpretation, allowing Hamlet to grapple with the moral and ethical implications of his actions.
Throughout the play, the ghost’s influence on Hamlet’s treatment of Claudius is evident in his internal conflict and indecision. Hamlet struggles with the idea of avenging his father’s death, yet he is also concerned about the potential consequences of his actions. The ghost’s presence serves as a constant reminder of Hamlet’s duty to seek justice, but it also creates a sense of moral ambiguity that haunts him throughout the play.
In conclusion, the ghost in “Hamlet” wants Hamlet to treat Claudius with a sense of justice and responsibility. The ghost’s demand for revenge is accompanied by a call for caution and patience, emphasizing the importance of seeking justice rather than resorting to violence. The ghost’s influence on Hamlet’s treatment of Claudius is a driving force behind the play’s tragic conclusion, as it forces Hamlet to confront the moral and ethical complexities of his actions. Through the ghost’s instructions, Shakespeare explores the themes of revenge, justice, and the consequences of one’s actions, ultimately leaving the audience to reflect on the nature of morality and the human condition.
