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The Ghost Cause

Who would think that a figment of imagination could be the cause of so much death?

Many deaths have occurred, but maybe it truly originates from the Ghost. On his own he could

not make anything happen, but through Hamlet his purposes were fulfilled. Therefore this ghost

is responsible for the inspiration of death and vengeance of almost all characters. Some of the

deaths that occurred were made possible by inspiring Hamlet to action, Hamlets willingness to

kill Claudius, and by Laertes and Ophelia being inspired to model Hamlet.

To begin, the Ghost ignites vengeance in Hamlet with the delicate words revenge [King

Claudiuss] foul and most unnatural murder (I, v, 25). Before Hamlet talked with the Ghost, he

already was suspicious of Claudius for having taken [his mother] to wife and for obtaining the

kingdom (I, ii, 14). In this confused state having lost his father and somewhat also his mother,

the Ghost set Hamlet over the edge to act on what he had felt. As he acted on these deep feelings

of vengeance, those around him were deeply affected by his spirit, even to action. Without

Hamlet, the Ghost likely would not have been able to make an impact as he did through him.

Therefore through Hamlet were these evil murders possible.

Hamlet was prepared to kill with just a chance of avenging King Hamlet. The effect of

this impression in him brought about Poloniuss quick death. Prince Hamlet was so much

persuaded by the Ghost that he justifies his action saying thou wretched, rash, intruding

fooltake thy fortune (III, iv, 32-33). This behavior got on the kings nerves and he was
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prepared to put an end to him. When Hamlet received the letter from Claudius ordering to

execute him, he passes it on so Rosencrantz and Guildenstern go to t and to end their life (V,

ii, 59). If Hamlet hadnt been so determined to act due to the Ghost, he wouldnt have taken the

chance of killing the wrong suspect, and the king would not have wanted to murder him.

This put Laertes and Ophelia in the same position as Hamlet with losing their father.

Laertes had a seed of vengeance planted in him that if embraced would bring him to action. He

barges in to the king saying o thou vile king, give me my father! (IV, v, 114-115). His warm

anger was due to the death of Polonius caused by Hamlets determination given to him by the

Ghost, and now vengeance was transferred to Laertes. This also affects Ophelia making her

insane which might have led to suicide. She proclaims her insanity so that her brother comments

that if she would have tried to persuade at any other time that it could not move thus (IV, v,

170). Therefore, Hamlets actions due to the Ghost brought about vengeance in Laertes and

Ophelia.

The Ghost is responsible for the inspiration of death and vengeance of almost all the

characters. Hamlet was inspired to act on the negative feelings he felt because of this Ghost.

Poloniuss life was ended because of Prince Hamlets willingness to kill the king. After Polonius

died, his son and daughter were filled with vengeance and insanity; Laertes was ready to avenge

his fathers death and Ophelia was ready to commit suicide from what she felt. This was due to

the Ghost that supported Hamlet in avenging his fathers death.