Dec 23, 2009

Hamlet | Act I, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis

New Characters
Claudius, King of Denmark: Prince Hamlet’s uncle and stepfather

Gertrude, the Queen: Hamlet’s mother

Polonius: the King’s advisor

Laertes: son to Polonius

Prince Hamlet: son of the late King and Queen Gertrude

Voltemand and Cornelius: messengers to King of Norway

Summary
King Claudius announces that, despite his grief over his brother’s recent death, he has taken Gertrude to wife. He also informs the court of young Fortinbras’s aggression, and assigns Voltemand and Cornelius to deliver a...