"Supernaturalism pervades Hamlet," elucidate the idea,
Hamlet's Supernaturalism
William Shakespeare's Hamlet is a play that delves into the complexities of the human mind and soul. The play explores themes of revenge, betrayal, love, and death. Supernaturalism, which refers to the belief in supernatural beings, powers, or phenomena, pervades the play. In this essay, we will explore the different ways in which supernaturalism is present in Hamlet.
One of the most prominent ways in which supernaturalism is present in Hamlet is through the ghost of Hamlet's father. The ghost is a supernatural being that appears to Hamlet, informing him of his father's murder and urging him to seek revenge. The ghost's appearance is significant because it challenges the traditional beliefs of the time about the afterlife. The ghost's appearance suggests that there is an afterlife, and that the dead can communicate with the living. This supernatural element adds to the play's suspense and intrigue, as the audience is left wondering whether the ghost is real or a product of Hamlet's imagination.
The appearance of the ghost also adds a sense of foreboding to the play. The ghost's presence foreshadows the tragic events that are to come. The ghost's demand for revenge sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the deaths of several characters. The ghost's appearance is also significant because it represents a disruption of the natural order. The ghost's appearance suggests that there is a disturbance in the universe that needs to be resolved. The supernatural element of the ghost's appearance adds to the play's tragic tone, as the audience is left wondering whether the events that unfold are predetermined by fate or the result of human action.
Another way in which supernaturalism is present in Hamlet is through the idea of prophesy. Prophesy is a supernatural phenomenon that is used in the play to suggest that
the events that unfold are predetermined. For example, in Act 1, Scene 1, Horatio mentions the appearance of a ghost in Denmark, and he suggests that it is a sign of impending doom. This prophetic statement suggests that the events that unfold in the play are predetermined and that the characters are powerless to change their fate. The idea of prophesy adds to the play's tragic tone, as the audience is left wondering whether the characters are doomed to suffer the consequences of their actions.
Supernaturalism is also present in the play through the idea of fate. Fate is a supernatural force that determines the course of events in the play. The characters in the play are often portrayed as being at the mercy of fate. For example, Hamlet's delay in seeking revenge is often attributed to his belief that fate will eventually take care of the situation. The idea of fate adds to the play's tragic tone, as the audience is left wondering whether the characters are truly responsible for their actions or whether they are merely pawns in a larger cosmic game.
Hamlet's supernaturalism
The use of supernaturalism in the play is not limited to the ghost, prophesy, and fate. Supernaturalism is also present in the play through the use of magic and witchcraft. In Act 1, Scene 1, the witches' brew is mentioned, suggesting that the supernatural forces of witchcraft are at work in the play. This use of magic and witchcraft adds to the play's sense of mystery and intrigue, as the audience is left wondering what other supernatural forces may be at play.
Finally, supernaturalism is also present in the play through the use of symbolism. Symbolism is a technique that is used to convey meaning through the use of symbols. In Hamlet, the use of symbolism is often supernatural in nature. For example, the appearance of the ghost is a symbol of the corruption and decay that has infiltrated the natural order of things. The use of the ghost as a symbol suggests that the play
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