Is Hamlet Catholic

Through out Shakespeare's Hamlet, there are many Protestant and Roman Catholic elements in it. The character Hamlet is a prime example of the representation of copious Catholic beliefs about purgatory, suicide, and ghosts. Many have speculated that Hamlet is a closeted Catholic despite there being no mention of it in the play. Although small vital details in the play give away the real possibility that he is Catholic, which could've been a way of Shakespeare himself drop hints of his own faith. Since Shakespearian times were extremely anti Catholic, English citizens who were Catholic had to be very secretive about it. Although Hamlet does give in to the Protestant belief thinking that the ghost he saw might've been the devil which is a Protestant …show more content…
This is brought up with the visit from the Ghost which is Hamlets father. He's not in heaven nor hell yet due to his unjust death, which shows he has purpose in Earth. This whole concept goes against the Protestant faith because they believe purgatory is a Catholic scam. By Hamlet believing in the ghost, it shows that he already has a strong Catholic belief in him. The Protestant view of this is portrayed through Horatio, who shows skepticism towards the whole situation. "but [the guards'] fantasy, / And will not let belief take hold of him" (1.1.28-29). Hamlet also makes another reference to purgatory when he mentions St. Patrick, which is believed to be the keeper of purgatory. "Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio" (1.5.139-140). For a Person who was raised Protestant, it is very unusual that Hamlet would know of this fact. This shows that Hamlet knows more about the Catholic faith than what others may think, which proves he is very possibly a closeted …show more content…
According to Karen Kay "in following the ghost’s command to exact vengeance upon Claudius, it is not clear whether Hamlet would be dispensing divine justice, or, led by the Devil" (Kay 2010). Although this is made clear that he's not led by the devil when Claudius unintentionally proves he's guilty during The Murder of Gonzago. Despite Kay claiming that its not clear, she also makes another argument stating that "Hamlet’s ideas about heaven are flawed" (Kay 2010) because he doesn't kill Claudius while he's praying. While in the contrary he is very aware of the concept of heaven, he knows that if Claudius is truly resentful for his sins, there's a chance that he'd be forgiven and wouldn't go to hell. Hamlet can't tell if Claudius means his prayer because he's spying on him. This disproves her theories and proves that Hamlet is