Supernatural in Shakespeare's Plays
Supernatural in Shakespeare's PlaysIn 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. Shakespeare�s 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 supernatural is very important in Hamlet
and Macbeth.
A ghost, appearing in the form of Hamlet�s father, makes
several appearances in the play. It first appears to the watchmen,
Marcellus and Bernardo, along with Horatio near the guardsmens' post.
The ghost says nothing to them and is perceived with fear and
apprehension, �It harrows me with fear and wonder�. It is not until
the appearance of Hamlet that the ghost speaks, and only then after
Horatio has expressed his fears about Hamlet following it, �What if it
tempt you toward the flood, my lord, or to the dreadful summit of the
cliff�.
The conversation between the ghost and Hamlet serves as a
catalyst for Hamlet�s later actions and provides insight into Hamlet�s
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, �The spirit
that I have seen may be a devil... and perhaps out of my weakness and
my melancholy..abuses me to damn me�, and thus an aspect of Hamlet�s
character is revealed. Hamlet, having no suspicion of the ghost after
the production by the players, encounters the ghost next in his
mother�s room. In this scene the ghost makes an appearance to �whet�
Hamlet�s �almost blunted purpose�. Hamlet is now convinced of the
ghost and he no longer harbors any suspicion. He now listens to it,
�Speak to her, Hamlet�.
In Hamlet, the supernatural is the guiding force behind
Hamlet. The ghost ask Hamlet to seek revenge for the King�s death and
Hamlet is thus propelled to set into action a series of events that
ends in Hamlet�s death.
The supernatural occurs four times during the course of
Macbeth. It occurs in all the appearances of the witches, in the...
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