Hamlet who is the ghost

In fact, it is impossible to say for certain whether or not Hamlet actually does go mad, and, if so, when his act becomes reality. We have already seen that Hamlet, though thoughtful by nature, also has an excitable streak, which makes him erratic, nervous, and unpredictable. In Act I, scene v, as the ghost disappears, Hamlet seems to have too much nervous energy to deal competently with the curious Horatio and Marcellus.

The scene serves to develop the character of Polonius, who is one of the most intriguing figures in Hamlet. Polonius can be interpreted as either a doddering fool or as a cunning manipulator, and he has been portrayed onstage as both.

Where did I leave? In his advice to Reynaldo, Polonius explicitly develops one of the themes of Hamlet, the idea that words can be used to bend and alter the truth. As with Claudius, who manipulated the royal court with his speech in Act I, scene ii, words become a tool for influencing the minds of others and controlling their perception of the truth.

Remember that Claudius killed King Hamlet by pouring poison into his ear. Shakespeare continually illustrates that words can function as poison in the ear as well. The running imagery of ears and hearing serves as an important symbol of the power of words to manipulate the truth. First, it illustrates how Hamlet has been behaving since his encounter with the ghost: he has made good on his promise to Horatio and is behaving as a madman.

Though we learn about it only through her description, his emotional scene with Ophelia may stem in part from his general plan to feign insanity, and in part from real distress at seeing Ophelia, since she has recently spurned him.

Ace your assignments with our guide to Hamlet! SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Download this LitChart! Teachers and parents! Struggling with distance learning? Our Teacher Edition on Hamlet can help. Themes All Themes. Symbols All Symbols. Theme Wheel. Everything you need for every book you read. The way the content is organized and presented is seamlessly smooth, innovative, and comprehensive.

Understand every line of Hamlet. An otherworldly presence that visits Hamlet early on in the play. Hamlet, however, believes that the ghost is truly his father. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:. Act 1, Scene 4 Quotes.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Related Themes: Appearance vs. Page Number and Citation : 1. Explanation and Analysis:. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Act 1, Scene 1. But you'll be secret? Ay, by heaven, my lord. There's ne'er a villain dwelling in all Denmark. But he's an arrant knave. There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the grave,.

To tell us this. Why, right. You are i'th' right. And so, without more circumstance at all,. I hold it fit that we shake hands and part. You as your business and desires shall point you —. For every man has business and desire,. Such as it is — and for mine own poor part,. Look you, I'll go pray. These are but wild and whirling words, my lord. I'm sorry they offend you — heartily,. Yes, faith, heartily. There's no offense, my lord. Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio,.

And much offense too. Touching this vision here,. It is an honest ghost, that let me tell you. For your desire to know what is between us,. O'ermaster't as you may. And now, good friends,. As you are friends, scholars, and soldiers,. Give me one poor request. What is't, my lord? We will. Never make known what you have seen tonight. My lord, we will not. Nay, but swear't. In faith, my lord, not I. Nor I, my lord, in faith. Upon my sword. We have sworn, my lord, already. Indeed, upon my sword, indeed.

Ha ha, boy, sayest thou so? Art thou there, truepenny? Come on, you hear this fellow in the cellarage?

Consent to swear. Propose the oath, my lord. Never to speak of this that you have seen. Swear by my sword. Hic et ubique? Then we'll shift our ground. Come hither, gentlemen,. And lay your hands again upon my sword,.

Never to speak of this that you have heard. Well said, old mole. Canst work i'th' earth so fast? A worthy pioneer! Oh, day and night, but this is wondrous strange. And therefore as a stranger give it welcome. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,. Than are dreamt of in our philosophy. But come,. Here as before. Never, so help you mercy,. How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself —.

As I perchance hereafter shall think meet. To put an antic disposition on —. That you at such time seeing me never shall,. With arms encumbered thus, or thus head shaked,. Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase. As, "Well, we know," or "We could an if we would,". Or "If we list to speak," or "There be an if they might ,". Or such ambiguous giving out, to note. That you know aught of me.

This not to do,. So grace and mercy at your most need help you,. So, gentlemen,. With all my love I do commend me to you. And what so poor a man as Hamlet is. May do t'express his love and friending to you,. God willing, shall not lack. Let us go in together,. And still your fingers on your lips, I pray.