Part one of term paper
Hamlet begins with guards whose main importance in the play is to give believability to the ghost. If Hamlet were to see his father's ghost in private, the argument for his madness would be easier to follow. Yet, not one, but three men together witness the ghost before even thinking to notify Hamlet. As Horatio says, (being the only of the ...

Part two of term paper
... as credible, but all the men are witness to the ghost demanding that they speak alone. Horatio makes a comment in act 1, scene 4, lines 69-74 that may be where Hamlet gets the idea to use the plea of insanity to work out his plan. The important fact is that the ghost does not change form, but rather remains as the King and speaks to Hamlet rationally. There is also good reason for the ghost not to want the guards to know what he tells Hamlet, because the play could not proceed as it does if the gu ...