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All Site ContentHamletAct 1Scene 1
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Wandering Spirits
Folklore
Act 1,
Scene 1
Lines 112-121

An explanation by Horatio about why it was believed that spirits of the dead may attempt to contact the living in Act 1, Scene 1 of myshakespeare's Hamlet.

Horatio

If there be any good thing to be done
That may to thee do ease and grace to me,
Speak to me.
If thou art privy to thy country's fate 
Which, happily foreknowing, may avoid, 
Oh, speak!
Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life,
Extorted treasure in the womb of earth 
For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death,
Speak of it. Stay and speak! Stop it, Marcellus.

Horatio refers to three reasons why it was believed the spirits of the deceased may attempt to contact the living:

  • The spirit is seeking assistance in shortening his time in purgatory.
  • The spirit knows the future and has returned to give a warning.
  • The spirit had buried some treasure while alive and has now returned to guard it.