Ghost of Hamlet’s Father

Charcoal and Digital Colour

This illustration was me taking a hard stance on the discussion around Hamlet’s father- was he a benevolent spirit? Or evil? (The answer is evil. I think he was evil.)

I depict Hamlet here as small and powerless to both the physical and emotional power of seeing his father’s ghost. He is manipulated by him, held in his clutches and given no choice in accepting his father’s revenge quest. Hamlet’s life is shaped by his loyalty and sense of duty to his father- and this is exactly what leads Hamlet, Polonius, Ophelia, Laertes, Gertrude, Claudius, and almost Horatio to their deaths.

Was it worth it King Hamlet?

Can you rest in peace now?