Hamlet 1.5 The Ghost Speaks

The transcript discusses the Ghost in Hamlet, focusing on the clues he provides about his identity and origin. It highlights the difference in interpretation of tormenting flames between modern and Shakespearean audiences, emphasizing purgatory in Catholic doctrine. The Ghost's urgency adds tension to the play, contributing to a sense of impending doom and the need for resolution.

What does the reference to tormenting flames suggest to a modern audience?

How does the concept of purgatory relate to the themes presented in the text?

What sense of urgency is conveyed by the Ghost in the text?

In what way does the lack of decisive action in the first three acts contribute to the atmosphere of Hamlet?

What feelings does the text evoke regarding the play's tensions and their resolution?