Act 1, Scene 5 Summary and Analysis
Act I, Scene 5
When Hamlet and the ghost are alone, the ghost finally speaks. Claiming to be the spirit of Hamlet’s father, the ghost says that he wants Hamlet to “revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.” The old king’s ghost reveals that he was not killed by a snake bite (as was reported) but by his brother, Claudius. Hamlet, his suspicions about Claudius confirmed, is appalled. The old king’s ghost tells Hamlet how Claudius secretly poured poison in his ear while he slept in the garden, stealing his life, his crown, and his wife. Killed before he had the chance to seek heavenly forgiveness, the old king is now being punished in the afterlife for his unresolved mortal sins. The ghost urges Hamlet to save Denmark from Claudius’s wickedness and corruption, though he requests that Hamlet spare the queen from his revenge, leaving her to the mercy of heaven and her own conscience. The ghost disappears as the new day dawns, and Hamlet vows to remember and obey the ghost’s orders.
Marcellus and Horatio catch up with Hamlet and ask him what happened, but Hamlet refuses to reveal what he learned. Hamlet makes Horatio and Marcellus promise to never reveal the events that transpired this night. They swear on Hamlet’s sword, promising to keep these events a secret as the ghost’s voice commands “Swear” from below their feet. Hamlet warns them that he may begin acting like a madman and makes them promise that, no matter how strangely he behaves, they will never give even an ambiguous hint as to his motives. They swear on his sword two more times, with the unseen ghost calling out “Swear” each time. Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus head back inside, and Hamlet laments his burdensome obligation to set things right.
Analysis
That the Ghost swears the soldiers to secrecy puts an extra burden on Hamlet. His mission to avenge his father may require him to do things which will appear odd or, as it turns out, insane, to onlookers. But the men who could explain his behavior are sworn not to reveal its cause. Further, Hamlet is sworn to leave his mother’s judgment to heaven. Thus, Hamlet is admonished against releasing anger at his mother, yet obliged to pursue revenge against Claudius in ways that may seem illogical and unwarranted. His resulting mental anguish seems inevitable.
Expert Q&A
In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, how does King Hamlet's ghost describe his death?
In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, King Hamlet's ghost describes his death as a "murder most foul" committed by Claudius. While the king was napping in his orchard, Claudius poured poison into his ears, causing his blood to curdle and killing him instantly. The ghost laments dying without the chance to repent, urging Hamlet to seek revenge for this treacherous act.
What does Hamlet mean by "yeah, from the table . . . yes, by heaven!" in Act 1, Scene 5?
In Act 1, Scene 5, when Hamlet says, "yeah, from the table . . . yes, by heaven!", he means he will erase all past memories and trivial pursuits from his mind to focus solely on avenging his father's murder. Hamlet uses the metaphor of his mind as a book, wiping away previous records to dedicate himself entirely to this new, singular purpose.
What does the ghost mean by "Adieu, adieu! Remember me" in Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet?
In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, the ghost's phrase "Adieu, adieu! Remember me" means that he wants Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing Claudius. The ghost, representing the late King Hamlet, must vanish at dawn and urges his son to act on his story of being murdered by Claudius, emphasizing the need for justice.
In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, what does "wings as swift as meditation" mean?
In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, "wings as swift as meditation" means Hamlet will act and take revenge as quickly as the mind can think. Ironically, Hamlet is indecisive and takes a long time to avenge his father's murder, ultimately killing Claudius only in the final scene when he has little choice.
In act 1, scene 5 of Hamlet, what instructions does the ghost give Hamlet?
In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, the ghost instructs Hamlet to avenge his death, revealing that Claudius murdered him by pouring poison in his ear. The ghost also tells Hamlet not to harm his mother but to let her be judged by heaven. Although the ghost implies revenge against Claudius, he does not explicitly instruct Hamlet to kill him.
What literary devices are used in Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 5, and what is their purpose?
In Hamlet's soliloquy, literary devices like irony, imagery, and apostrophe are used to highlight his internal struggle and resolve for revenge. Irony is present as Hamlet vows to erase his past to focus solely on revenge, yet he later fails to act decisively. Imagery likens his mind to a book that he must clear to concentrate on vengeance. Apostrophe appears as he implores his body to remain strong for the task. These devices underscore his mental turmoil and foreshadow his inaction.
What is Hamlet's personality like with Horatio in act 1?
In Act 1, Hamlet's personality with Horatio reveals a softer, more honest side. He corrects Horatio's deferential language, insisting on friendship, and shows respect and gladness. Hamlet's sarcastic humor emerges, and he lets his guard down, expressing mourning for his father. He trusts Horatio's account of the ghost and values their close relationship, demonstrating trust by not questioning their loyalty once sworn to secrecy about the ghost.
Analysis of the purpose and language in Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet
In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, the purpose is to reveal the ghost of King Hamlet's demand for revenge, setting the play's central conflict. The language is dramatic and intense, with the ghost's revelations and Hamlet's vow emphasizing themes of corruption, revenge, and the supernatural. Shakespeare uses vivid imagery and diction to underscore the gravity of the ghost's message and Hamlet's ensuing turmoil.
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