1. Intimacy and Isolation: The exclusive interaction between the Ghost and Hamlet creates an intimate connection between them, emphasizing Hamlet's unique burden. It isolates him from the rest of the characters and highlights his emotional turmoil and confusion.
2. Subjectivity of Perception: By making the Ghost visible only to Hamlet, Shakespeare raises questions about the reliability of perception. The audience is left wondering whether the Ghost is real or a manifestation of Hamlet's grief, madness, or vivid imagination. This uncertainty underscores the play's exploration of truth, reality, and the nature of madness.
3. Characterization: Hamlet's interactions with the Ghost provide insights into his inner thoughts, motivations, and emotional state. The Ghost's presence prompts Hamlet to question his duty, seek revenge, and grapple with the consequences of his actions.
4. Dramatic Tension: The Ghost's selective visibility creates suspense and tension. The audience is privy to information and interactions that other characters are unaware of, heightening the sense of mystery and urgency surrounding the play's central conflict.
5. Symbolism and Metaphor: The Ghost serves as a potent symbol of guilt, retribution, and the consequences of past actions. His appearances to Hamlet symbolize the unresolved issues from the past that haunt the present and demand resolution.
6. Exploration of Themes: The selective visibility of the Ghost allows Shakespeare to explore themes such as deception, betrayal, and the conflict between appearance and reality. It raises questions about the nature of truth and knowledge and the boundaries between the rational and the supernatural.
Overall, Shakespeare's decision to make the Ghost visible and audible only to Hamlet intensifies the play's dramatic impact, complicates character dynamics, and enriches the exploration of its central themes.