Quote Analysis

The Ghost reappears and reminds Hamlet that his purpose—revenge—is growing dull. He tells Hamlet not to forget the task he was given and to focus on killing Claudius, not tormenting Gertrude.

The metaphor of Hamlet's 'blunted purpose' treats his resolve as a weapon that loses its edge through disuse. The Ghost's intervention here interrupts the confrontation with Gertrude, reframing it as a distraction from the real mission. This raises the question of whether Hamlet's cruelty toward his mother is justified moral correction or a displacement of the violence he still cannot direct at Claudius—he can act against Polonius and Gertrude, but not the king.

Support a thesis that Hamlet's anger toward Gertrude is easier for him than revenge against Claudius—the Ghost must redirect him because he is spending his energy on the wrong target.