Ghosts are mysterious beings that leave many unanswered questions in the human world. However, ghosts can also possess provocative natures and appear to humans to meddle in human affairs. This was especially the case in Shakespeare's time, as people believed ghosts to merely be devils in disguise. In Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlet's father, King Hamlet returns to tell his son what really happened to him and request that he avenge his death. In doing so, King Hamlet reminds Prince Hamlet of the evil corruption of man from the past that will continue to exist, as well as the daunting shadow cast by religion and faith that acts as a constant reminder of what is considered good and evil. Discuss and analyze how the past play an important part in what happens in the present and future, utilizing textual evidence from either Acts I or II and one of the themes above: sin and corruption, religion, or the mysterious spiritual world. Check out the video for a quick recap of Hamlet's encounter with the Ghost if you need a refresher.
