preview

William Shakespeare 's ' The Ghost '

Better Essays

One of the most debated questions is Shakespearean literature is that of Hamlet’s delay in killing Claudius. Even after he has been told by the ghost of his dead father that he was killed while sleeping and the person who did the act is now the king. “sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me” and that “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life Now wears his crown.” (Shakespeare and Jordan Act I Scene V). The ghost then tells Hamlet to avenge his death because not only has Claudius killed him he has corrupted Denmark. However, the worst thing that Claudius has done according to the ghost is corrupt Gertrude, who has committed the sin of incest by marrying her husband’s brother. Despite this the ghost does not want Gertrude harmed as shown when he tells Hamlet “Leave her to heaven, and to those thorns that in her bosom lodge, to prick and sting her.” (Shakespeare and Jordan Act I Scene V). This is not because he does not want her to suffer. Instead it is because he feels that she will suffer more by way of a guilty conscious then by death. Whereas he does not believe that Claudius would feel guilt over his death. Plus, by Claudius killing him while he was sleeping, he was denied the ability to atone for his sins which is the reason that he is now in purgatory. However, Hamlet does not act in haste to do the ghost’s bidding, but seeks to find ways to refrain from acting. This paper will look at six possible reasons for this delay.

Reason number 1 The sentimental

Get Access