This is definitely one of the most significant scenes of the play. The King's ghosts utters the infamous line "So art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear"
The direction of the play is now set in motion with this one sentence! If Hamlet had declined, he would never have found out about his father's murderer, pretended to go mad, and cause a chain reaction of death. Instead, he would have just continued to languish for the rest of his life.
I have a question for the late king Hamlet. Why would you not say anything encouraging to your son? I mean, he has been mourning for you for the past two months! You could show some affection. I think it's just conceited to tell how you died and then expect your son to get revenge. Seeking your revenge will destroy Hamlet's conscience! Why don't you go pester Claudius into confessing, or drive him mad, or get him to commit suicide! You're in the "waiting room" anyway, so why don't you make better use of your time.
I feel badly for Hamlet, hearing about his father's murder, and then having to live with the one who killed him. On top of that, he is expected to take revenge! It is especially difficult when the revenge is on the #1 person in the spotlight of the whole country. Pressure much?
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Indeed! Some critics have suggested that the worst thing the ghost says to Hamlet is "Remember me!" In making this request, Hamlet is intellectually and emotionally hamstrung. Everything he does is coloured by the memory of his father. In his state of melancholy, this may serve to further undermine his confidence and commitment. I like your take on this scene. Well done with all of the logs.
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