Symbol/Theme

The symbols and themes of literature dictate the direction and meaning of the story and help guide the reader through it. Symbols like the Ghost of Hamlet Sr. represent corruption of the kingship and sets the basis for the direction of the play. The ghost tells Hamlet to revenge his death and set him free from being a ghost. Most of the play is Hamlet's indecision about what to do and how to make sure he does his job correctly. The theme of revenge goes hand in hand with the symbol. Themes give charaters meaning because they give them a reason for their actions.