The influence of Kyd's Spanish tragedy is visible in the use of the ghost in Hamlet, by William Shakespeare. This scene marks the beginning of Hamlet's action of revenge. Through allusions to Greek mythology, death and revenge, Elizabethan tragedy is shown in both dialogues. The ghost present in both works fits with what the Elizabethans believed about superstition. Depicted by Shakespeare and Kyd, the theme of revenge is related to the monologues of both ghosts. Both of their goals are set on seeking retribution for a relative. Old Hamlet appears to his son with the intention of putting him into action to avenge his death. Don Andrea focuses on his afterlife while Old Hamlet focuses on how he died. It finally sets Hamlet in motion to seek revenge. The ghost that Hamlet meets reveals the reason for his appearance but only speaks to him. It is to "avenge his foul and unnatural murder" (1.5.25). The repetitive use of the word "unnatural" between Hamlet and the ghost shows how urgent the issue has become. Going into the harrowing details of his murder, he tugs at Hamlet's heartstrings. It lights the fire in him that drives him to become his father's avenger. Don Andrea's detailed description of his soul's passage to the underworld, wanting help, is plotting appropriate revenge. He wishes to take revenge for his murder, causing eternal separation between him and his "worthy lady" (1.1.10), Bel-imperia, "forcing a divorce between me and my love... When I was slain, my soul descended right,/ To pass the course of the Acheron” (14, 18-19). According to Clark, “Ghosts were thought to appear first… to exact justice, to avenge an evil deed” (100). purgatory to do exactly that. The allusions of Gre...... middle of paper ......tion Through the revelation of the ghost to Hamlet seeking revenge, Greek mythology plays an important role in linking the two together works.Through the themes of revenge, deceit and loss, they are able to convey their messages to achieve the desired outcome Although Hamlet's ghost was murdered before the play and Andrew's murder creates the motivation of the plot, revenge becomes evident. Avenging their unnatural death to rest in peace can only be achieved through immediate action. Works Cited Cumberland, Clark. "The supernatural in Hamlet." Readings on Hamlet. By Don Nardò. San Diego, California: Greenhaven, 1999. 99-105. Print.Kyd, Thomas. "The Spanish Tragedy: Ghost's Monologue." The Spanish Tragedy: Ghost's Monologue. Np, 2003. Web. 26 March 2014.Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Washington Square, 2002. Print.