| An analysis of the roles of ghosts and the scourges they inspire in the works of William Shakespeare demonstrates the influence of the divine and natural orders in moving earthly, political affairs through supernatural and mortal instruments toward the ultimate goal of peaceful rule by a just and honest monarch who is guided by either the Christian religion or Stoicism. This study compares and contrasts the four Shakespearean plays that explore this issue, Richard III, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, and Macbeth. Study of these plays shows an evolution of Shakespeare's development of this concept over time to address issues of political and religious importance during the Elizabethan era. The concept of a higher power sending ghostly messengers to inspire scourges to commit acts of retributive vengeance intended to purge society of corruption is explored to determine specifically the circumstances under which such efforts are justifiable. |
