SIGN IN HAMLET

Text topic: Narratology

Text author: Новак Малешевић

This study deals with the deconstruction of the linguistic sign and the determination of its meaning formed in the given semantic structure. Starting from the assumptions of Derrida that the play of the sign structure (the relation between the elements of the linguistic sign: signifier (signifiant) – signified (signifie) – sign (signe)) is unstoppable due to infinite structuring possibilities of a semantic system, we will show that the meaning itself becomes disemic, or irreducible because of the assumption that a signifier can bound more than one signified. The text observes how the Ghost sign in Shakespeare’s Hamlet becomes such a structure. Also, it is noted that not only does the semantic potency of this sign’s meaning grows proportionally to the flow of the signified against the given signifier, but that each formed (semantic) structure makes symbolic notions in reality. In this manner, the symbolic basis which constitutes a specific meaning is able to form a new signifier reality, assigning reality “roles” to others. In accordance with this, the text shows how signs in Hamlet make symbolic systems in reality, (continually) forming semantic structures through which others (characters in the play) must move.