The forgotten sister. The Forgotten Sister: A Novel by Nicola Cornick, Paperback 2022-10-05

In William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the ghost of the late King Hamlet appears to the main character, Prince Hamlet, and tells him that he was murdered by his own brother, Claudius, who has since taken the throne and married Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude. The ghost urges Hamlet to seek revenge for his murder, and this desire for revenge drives much of the action in the play.

The ghost is a central figure in "Hamlet," and his appearance and the revelations he makes have a profound impact on the characters and the plot. Some scholars have argued that the ghost is a manifestation of Hamlet's own subconscious, representing his inner turmoil and desire for revenge. Others have suggested that the ghost may be a manifestation of Hamlet's guilt, as he feels responsible for his father's death due to his inaction and indecision.

There is also debate over whether the ghost is actually the spirit of King Hamlet or some other supernatural being, such as a devil or an angel. Some scholars have argued that the ghost is a malevolent spirit, seeking to lead Hamlet down a path of destruction and further inciting the cycle of violence and revenge in the play. Others have suggested that the ghost is a benevolent spirit, guiding Hamlet towards a righteous path of justice and helping him to uncover the truth about his father's murder.

Ultimately, the identity and nature of the ghost in "Hamlet" remains open to interpretation, and different readings of the play can offer different insights into this mysterious and enigmatic character. Regardless of its true nature, however, the ghost plays a crucial role in the play, influencing the actions and motivations of the characters and driving the tragic events that unfold.