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In Hamlet, why is the ghost dressed in armor?

Though the armor worn by King Hamlet's ghost is a small detail, it actually serves an important role in the play. First of all, the armor worn by King Hamlet's ghost signifies that the ghost is on a mission dealing with martial conflict and war; since the ghost essentially wants Hamlet to combat injustice and wrestle the kingdom of Denmark out of Claudius' clutches, this martial theme makes sense. Secondly, the armor is actually important for the practical purpose of identifying the ghost as King Hamlet. For instance, take a look at this exchange between Marcellus and Horatio after they see the ghost in Act 1, Scene 1:



MARCELLUS: Is it not like the King?


ORATIO: As thou art to thyself.
Such was the very armour he had on
When he the ambitious Norway combated. (71-4)



From this exchange, we learn that the ghost is indeed the ghost of King Hamlet, as the apparition is wearing the former king's armor. By dressing his specter in armor, Shakespeare immediately tells the audience that King Hamlet has died and is haunting Elsinore. As such, the ghost in Hamlet wears armor not only to signify his warlike mission, but also to signify that he is the ghost of the former king. 

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