The Ghost: Good vs. Evil

Last Friday, I went to see my friend play the role of Afi (Ofelia) in Revenge of a King, the hip-hop rendition of Hamlet. Though few similarities exist between Shakespeare’s version and this new-age adaptation other than a somewhat comparable plot, one resounding likeness was the existence of the ghost of Hamlet’s father. Its presence in both versions forced me to begin to question the true significance and purpose of the ghost in Hamlet’s mental decay. After much thought, I reasoned the apparition, only audible to Hamlet himself, exemplifies the inner struggle of good versus evil, his own personal angel and devil on his shoulders, within Hamlet’s mind that leads to his fall into madness.

The d(evil): Throughout the first two acts of Hamlet, the ghost catalyzes the beginning of Hamlet’s descent into madness. By filling Hamlet’s head and heart with thoughts of anger and hatred, mostly directed towards his treacherous uncle Claudius, the ghost sets Hamlet on a one way path of revenge. The ghost of Hamlet’s father guilt trips Hamlet, however unnecessary to fulfill his ultimate goal, in order to further his person ambition of avenging his murder. “If thou dist ever thy dear father love --/Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.” Not only does the meaning of ghost’s words compromise Hamlet, but the ghost’s diction (unnatural, foul, incestuous, etc.) also worsens the turmoil within Hamlet by playing on already his weak emotions. Though it is a common trend throughout history for a son to carry out his father’s “unfinished business,” in this particular case, it seems as though the ghost plays upon Hamlet’s weak state to fulfill his own goals, without care to how detrimental it may be to Hamlet. In the end, the vengeful instructions of the ghost allow evil to overthrow the once-innate goodness of his mind and permit madness to overcome, as he nears his last breath.

The angel (good): Though the ghost’s inherent evil is easier to argue, the apparition of the dead Hamlet’s soul also serves as a representation of truth and a figure to ease Hamlet’s loneliness in the first two acts of Shakespeare’s famous work. By uncovering the truth of the ex-king’s murder, the ghost provides Hamlet with an explanation to his ever-increasing speculations regarding the rotten state of Denmark. The truth also gives Hamlet a purpose, thus providing him a motive to continue his life on earth. This increased connection with his lost father provides him with not only purpose but also a mental connection, someone to at least partially understand his inner suffering. Though the ghost’s intentions are dishonorable, his presence at least provides Hamlet with a “human” connection, someone who he can reach out to in his time of need. The truth and sense of purpose afforded Hamlet by the ghost save Hamlet, at least for a short period of time, from falling into complete madness.

By Act III, it seems the evil of the devil occupying Hamlet’s mind has defeated the once-inherent good of the noble prince. The ghost’s true purpose is still undecided, however; only time and the rest of the Shakespeare’s play will uncover the truth of the ghost. (528)