Act I, Scene 1 Summary and Analysis

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The play opens at midnight in Denmark as two sentries, Francisco and Barnardo, stand guard over Elsinore Castle. Barnardo has come to relieve Francisco of his watch, but they cannot quite see one another in the dark, causing Barnardo to call out, “Who’s there?” Francisco recognizes Barnardo’s voice and says he is glad to be going to bed after a chilly and uneasy shift. Before Francisco leaves, the pair is joined by Marcellus (a fellow guard) and Horatio (Prince Hamlet’s friend from school). Francisco leaves, and Marcellus explains that he has brought Horatio with him to witness an apparition—one that Barnardo and Marcellus claim to have seen the past two nights. Horatio is skeptical, but he patiently listens to Barnardo’s recollection of how the apparition appeared the previous night. Barnardo is interrupted, however, by the appearance of a ghost bearing a strong resemblance to the deceased King Hamlet.

Horatio begins questioning the ghost, but it disappears without responding. Pale and trembling, Horatio admits that the ghost is indeed real, noting that it wore King Hamlet’s battle armor. Horatio concludes that the appearance of the ghost signifies that something terrible is about to happen in Denmark. He recalls that Fortinbras, the former king of Norway, once arrogantly challenged King Hamlet to a one-on-one duel. King Hamlet killed Fortinbras and (as per the terms of the duel) claimed some of Norway’s land. Now, the late Fortinbras’s headstrong son—also named Fortinbras—is recruiting men to reclaim the lands his father once lost to Denmark. Barnardo and Horatio wonder whether the ghost’s appearance has something to do with this pending military conflict, and Horatio notes that similar omens have appeared before other terrible events, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar. Suddenly, the ghost reappears, and Horatio again tries to speak with it. The ghost disappears, however, when a rooster crows to signal the dawn. Horatio says they should tell young Prince Hamlet about the king’s ghost, believing that the ghost will agree to speak to his son.

Analysis:

The first two scenes of Hamlet introduce the sense of unease and mystery that will pervade the rest of the play. The story begins on a dark, cold night—so dark, in fact, that Barnardo and Francisco cannot see one another. Protocol dictates that the guard on duty (Francisco) ask the relieving guard (Barnardo) to declare his identity. Barnardo’s breach of protocol in fearfully asking “Who’s there?” first bespeaks his nervous and uneasy state, suggesting from the very first line of the play that something is amiss in Elsinore. We soon learn that the guards have good reason to be on edge: the ghost of the recently deceased King Hamlet has begun to regularly appear at midnight—a time that is often associated with the supernatural. Horatio confirms that the ghost is an omen of something terrible to come: “But in the gross and scope of my opinion, / This bodes some strange eruption to our state.” The unease brought about by King Hamlet’s ghost echoes the uncertainty brought on by the recent changes at court. King Hamlet’s brother, Claudius, has assumed the throne and married his late brother’s wife and, in doing so, has upset the natural order of the court. The ghost of King Hamlet acts as both a symbol and a symptom of this disruption, foreshadowing that more chaos will follow.

The opening scenes also set up two of the play’s key themes: appearance versus reality and deception. With his polished speech at the beginning of scene 2, Claudius attempts to smooth over the major changes that have recently occurred in the royal family. Though Claudius claims to be grieving the death of his brother, the decision to almost immediately marry his brother’s wife is undeniably scandalous. Claudius callously remarks that Hamlet’s “unmanly grief” over the recent death of his father is unreasonable, suggesting that Claudius's own grief may not be sincere and leaving both Hamlet and the audience skeptical of his true motives.

The theme of appearance versus reality is underscored by Prince Hamlet’s behavior. While Claudius’s formal speech and superficially gracious language is meant to give the impression of a well-ordered court, Hamlet undermines Claudius’s dignified performance with double-entendre and sarcasm: “A little more than kin, and less than kind!” Throughout the play, Hamlet will often use sarcasm or satire to cut through the pretense and superficial pleasantries of others, as he does during the following exchange with his friend Horatio:

HORATIO:
My lord, I came to see your father's funeral.
HAMLET:
I prithee do not mock me, fellow student.
I think it was to see my mother's wedding.
HORATIO:
Indeed, my lord, it followed hard upon.
HAMLET:
Thrift, thrift, Horatio. The funeral baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.

Hamlet demonstrates a remarkable sensitivity to false appearances in this scene. He assures his mother that he is truly grieving but also acknowledges that outward displays of sorrow—such as weeping, sighing, or wearing black—are a mere performance of grief that may or may not match what one truly feels inside. Hamlet is particularly critical of his mother, who he feels has acted falsely herself by transferring her love to Claudius so soon after the death of her beloved husband:

Must I remember? Why, she would hang on him
As if increase of appetite had grown
By what it fed on; and yet, within a month—
Let me not think on't! Frailty, thy name is woman.

It is important to note, however, that Hamlet engages in deception as well. His soliloquy reveals that he strongly disapproves of his mother and uncle’s conduct, yet Hamlet knows that he must not reveal his true feelings: “But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue.” Throughout the play, false appearances and deception will continue to dominate interactions at Elsinore Castle, and uncertainty over what is real will eventually consume Prince Hamlet and those around him.

Expert Q&A

What is the meaning of the quote "But look, the morn, in russet mantle clad, / Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill" from Hamlet Act 1, Scene 1?

The quote "But look, the morn, in russet mantle clad, / Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill" from Hamlet Act 1, Scene 1 personifies the morning as wearing a reddish cloak and walking over the hill. It follows the appearance of the ghost of King Hamlet, which Horatio interprets as a bad omen, suggesting that the ghost's presence and the red morning sky foreshadow troubling events ahead.

What tone is delivered in Act 1, Scene 1, and how does isolation affect it?

The tone in Act 1, Scene 1 is mysterious and foreboding, characterized by isolation, uncertainty, and fear. The setting of a cold, dark night with sentries on guard suggests tension and potential conflict. The isolation is heightened by the presence of the silent Ghost, adding supernatural horror. The mention of Denmark's war preparations and references to Julius Caesar intensify suspense and imply impending doom, creating a backdrop of eerie mystery and unease.

In act 1, scene 1 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, why does the ghost disappear?

The ghost disappears in Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet because it is not ready to reveal any information, serving instead as a "teaser" to intrigue the audience. Shakespeare uses this to build suspense and anticipation for the ghost's significant appearance in Act 1, Scene 5, where it divulges crucial information to Hamlet. Initially, the ghost appears uninterested in communicating with the guards or Horatio, heightening the mystery surrounding its presence.

What is the significance of Francisco's words "and I am sick at heart" in Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 1?

Francisco's words "and I am sick at heart" in Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 1, signify his anxiety and unease. This phrase not only raises tension and foreshadows the supernatural events to come but also introduces the play's motif of disease and corruption within the royal household, hinting at the turmoil and decay in Denmark.

What does Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet reveal about Horatio's character?

Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet reveals that Horatio is skeptical yet rational, as he initially doubts the ghost's existence reported by Barnardo and Marcellus. His higher social status and friendship with Hamlet are evident, as the guards urge him to speak to the ghost. Horatio's loyalty and sense of duty are highlighted when he insists on informing Hamlet about the ghost, believing it will communicate with the prince.

Describe the ghost of Old King Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet.

In Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet, the ghost of Old King Hamlet appears, resembling the deceased king closely. Horatio notes that it looks remarkably similar, even wearing the same armor King Hamlet wore during his battles with Norway. The ghost's facial expression also mirrors that of the living king, leading Horatio to conclude it is indeed the spirit of the late monarch.

Why is Horatio chosen to question the ghost in Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet?

Horatio is chosen to question the ghost in Act 1, Scene 1 because Marcellus and Bernardo believe his scholarly background makes him suitable for the task. They hope he will succeed where they failed, especially since the ghost resembles the dead king, suggesting a need for someone knowledgeable. Despite initial fear and wonder, Horatio attempts to communicate with the ghost, but it remains elusive, ultimately seeking to speak with Hamlet to reveal its true purpose.

What action of Fortinbras in Act 1, Scene 1 alarmed Denmark's authorities?

In Act 1, Scene 1, Fortinbras alarms Denmark's authorities by amassing an army of "lawless resolutes" in Norway to reclaim lands previously lost by his father to King Hamlet. This action is perceived as a direct threat, as Fortinbras seeks to avenge his father's defeat and forcibly recover the territories. Horatio explains this threat, emphasizing the potential for conflict and the fear instilled by Fortinbras' mercenary forces.

Which country were Bernardo and Francisco protecting in Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet?

In Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Bernardo and Francisco are protecting Denmark. They are Danish guards stationed at the castle battlements of Elsinore, overseeing a strategic waterway vulnerable to Norwegian attack. The guards are on high alert due to the recent death of King Hamlet and the potential threat from Fortinbras, Prince of Norway, who seeks to reclaim territory lost by his father to the deceased king.

Why does Bernardo challenge Francisco first in Act 1, Scene 1, despite being the one who startled Francisco?

The whole setting, the atmosphere, and their emotional states are all factors.

What literary devices are used in Hamlet, act 1, scene 1?

In Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Shakespeare employs several literary devices. Metaphors include calling the moon "the moist star" and describing Norway's "skirts" and Fortinbras "sharking up" soldiers. Allusions reference Neptune's empire and Julius Caesar's death. Imagery and onomatopoeia are present in descriptions like "squeak and gibber," and personification is used when describing dawn as "the morn, in russet mantle clad." These devices establish mood and convey vivid sensory details.

In Hamlet, act 1, scene 1, why does Marcellus tell Horatio to speak to the ghost?

Marcellus tells Horatio to speak to the ghost because Horatio is a scholar and presumed to know how to address it properly. Elizabethan beliefs held that a ghost could not speak until spoken to, so Marcellus and Bernardo hope Horatio can communicate with it. They think the ghost might reveal its purpose to someone educated like Horatio, as it had not spoken to them previously.

What language devices does Shakespeare use in Hamlet's act 1, scene 1?

In Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Shakespeare employs various language devices. Hendiadys is used, as in Horatio's words "gross and scope," to express complex ideas. Imagery is evident when Horatio describes the Ghost's ominous presence. Marcellus uses a metaphor comparing shipbuilders to "night working with day" to convey tension and disorder. Personification is also present when Horatio describes the dawn as "in russet mantle clad," enhancing its dramatic entrance.

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Act I, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis

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