Laurence Olivier singled this speech out as the "meaning" of the play, saying that ironically Hamlet though he thinks he is criticizing Claudius' fault of drinking too much is talking here of his own "tragic flaw" of not being able to act. The idea Hamlet discusses here is that no matter how good a person may be, if there is any bad in him, that one bad part will overshadow all the good. This is a very cynical view and requires that a man must be perfect
One of the cruxes of this play is whether or not the ghost is real. Yes, it is seen by three other people on the battlements at night, when they are all fearful and jumpy and can hardly see to identify each other unless very close. Because the Ghost speaks only to Hamlet (possibly, see end of Act 1 scene 5), it is still ambiguous whether Hamlet learns something new from the ghost or projects his own suspicions. Tony Richardson's version of Hamlet with Nicol Williamson never shows a ghost and uses Hamlet's voice as the Ghost's voice.
This is a pretty strong threat designed to keep the others from following Hamlet and the Ghost. Horatio is concerned that the Ghost might drive Hamlet mad or cause him physical harm, and perhaps this is the genesis of Hamlet's plan to feign madness.
Most students believe Hamlet made this statement, probably because he certainly believes it, but actually the line belongs to Marcellus.
Chris Barkley.
Copyright © Chris Barkley. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 14, 1999
.