Hamlet: First Impression

We've finally arrived at the time during the year in which we must engage into the readings of ole ancient Shakespeare. Yawn.....or at least that's what I thought the story of Hamlet was going to be before we actually started getting into what was going on (along with deciphering every line of every paragraph.....help us out Shakespeare). Like other pieces of Shakespeare’s work that I've read (Romeo and Juliet, A Mid Summer's Night's Dream, Macbeth), the language of the text makes one feel as if there is absolutely nothing interesting going on within these classic tales, however, once one takes the time to break down what is said and interpret the stories for themselves, the enjoyment that comes along with these tales finally can finally arrive. I was completely surprised when I not only realized how interesting Hamlet really was but also when I was able to personally draw similarities from Hamlet to other stories that I've read in the past. In a way, the story of Prince Hamlet reminds me of that of Harry Potter; sure, Hamlet isn't a British orphan who has recently discovered that he's this almighty sorcerer, however, the themes and situations that have occurred within the first act have led to me believing that subtle hints have already been placed to allow readers to know what exactly might occur as the story goes on. During Hamlet's encounter with his father's ghost, I couldn't help but feel as if the ghost of King Hamlet was speaking to his son in what sounded similar to that of "parseltongue"(as seen in the video). His father's words were very serpent-like, seeing how they left a certain taste in the air after they were spoken. The tone of the man's voice was similar to that of Lord Voldemort's whenever he would attempt to incept Harry Potter's thoughts like the snake he was, which left me wondering if this ghost was here for good reasons or for bad ones. Hamlet's past belief that his father was "so excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion...."(act one, lines 141-142) is leading him to completely feed into what this questionable ghost is saying to him instead of recognizing the facts that though this being may appear to be his father, its intentions may be far different than what his father's would have been. The text states that the ghost "speaks from underneath", and "died unaneiled" which means that it not only was uncleansed of its sins before it left the earth but also is rising from some hell like state rather than one from heaven; Hamlet prides himself in being a moral judge, almost as if it's his duty, yet is failing to truly analyze what is happening right before him just for the sake of the ghost appearing to be his father. The "parseltongue" like conversation the ghost has with Hamlet also relates to Harry Potter in such a way that it's almost used as a form of manipulation, or mind control. When Voldemort would use his serpent like voice to penetrate Harry Potter's mind he would plant seeds of thought that would occasionally leave Harry feeling as if he needed to prove something or forget his moral judgment all together. In my opinion, that is exactly what is happening between Hamlet and this ghost. The ghost says "list, list, o list! If thoudidst ever love thy dear father"(page 31) as a way of guilt tripping Hamlet into instantly feeling like his emotions towards his father weren’t pure if he doesn’t agree to do what the ghost is saying, while also stating "I find thee apt; and duller shouldst thou be than the fat weed" (page 31) as a way of making him feel unworthy of his father's past approval if he fails the with the task at hand. The manipulation, serepent-esque way of thinking, and rising from underneath all related to Harry Potter, in my opinion, which leads to me believing that this ghost is simply something that will lead to Hamlet's doom; however, the things that were said could've been some true form of motivation so that Hamlet could finally feel as if he had his father's approval to make things right. Which is it? Is the ghost good or bad? Will the “parseltongue” continue? Who knows. As Hamlet's adventure goes on, only time will tell. Ya feel me?