There are a variety of perceptions of Shakespeare's Hamlet. What I need a better understanding of deals with the issue about The Ghost, Hamlet Senior, being good or evil in asking his son to avenge him. Why is he "good" or why is he "evil"?

Fastfun1

When answering this question, Shib, you must do so in your own opinion. From your point of view, do you feel that vengenace is a "good" act? Does the cliche "an eye for an eye" agree with your constitution. If so, it was rightful to entice Hamlet to murder Claudius. If not, The Ghost used Hamlet to complete an act globally accepted as immoral, murder... regardless of the pretense. Decide which side you support, further analyze the text to support your argument and you should have a good paper on your hands. Best of luck.

Fr_Chuck

Yes, many actions can be good or evil, this action can be either. what I assume your teacher wants is your opinion, do you beleive revenge itself is good or bad,

Can it be justified,

Hamlet, I love it,

HistorianChick

I agree. Hamlet is one of my favorites. I often like to compare it to Macbeth - its similar and dissimilar, all at the same time.

I'm kind of wondering if this is a homework question too. If not, Shib, you pose and interesting question! Let us know if what it is - personal or educational...

I'd love to go into it more!

Another question of revenge lies inside the pages of another Shakespeare masterpiece:

If you prick us, do we not bleed?
if you tickle us, do we not laugh?
if you poison us, do we not die?
and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
~The Merchant of Venice~

(Star Trek VI, too! )