Hamlet Act 1 Quiz

Act 1 (Scene 1)

• Introduction of Francisco and Bernardo, guards at Elsinore.
• Ghost of the former King Hamlet appears, shocking Horatio and Marcellus.
• Horatio expresses skepticism about the ghost, representing a rational viewpoint.
• Mention of young Prince Fortinbras preparing to avenge his father.
• Marcellus questions the purpose of weapon production in Denmark.
• Diverse interpretations of the cock's crow signal relating to the ghost's purgatorial status.
• Decision made by the characters to inform Hamlet about the ghost, with Horatio believing it will speak to him.

Act 1 (Scene 2)

• Introduction to King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Laertes, Polonius, and Hamlet.
• Claudius addresses the kingdom regarding his brother's death and his marriage to Gertrude.
• Claudius sends messengers Cornelius and Voltemand to communicate with Norway regarding Fortinbras.
• Laertes receives permission from Claudius to go to France; Polonius allows it, while Hamlet is urged not to go to Wittenberg.
• Hamlet is depicted in mourning, leading Claudius to perceive his grief as unmanly.
• Hamlet’s soliloquy reveals deep depression and inner turmoil.
• Horatio and Marcellus inform Hamlet about the ghost sighting, prompting Hamlet's desire to contact it.

Act 1 (Scene 3)

• Laertes advises Ophelia about her relationship with Hamlet, warning it may not last.
• Ophelia heeds her brother's advice while cautioning him to follow it too.
• Polonius gives Laertes last-minute advice before his departure to France.
• Laertes pressures Ophelia regarding her relationship with Hamlet, forbidding her from engaging with him.

Act 1 (Scene 4)

• Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus go in search of the ghost.
• Claudius is depicted engaging in drunken revelry, which Hamlet disapproves of, viewing it as disgraceful.
• The ghost beckons Hamlet to follow, despite Horatio and Marcellus's attempts to dissuade him.
• Hamlet resolves to follow the ghost, leading Horatio and Marcellus to accompany him, with Marcellus remarking on Denmark's troubled state.

Act 1 (Scene 5)

• The ghost reveals himself as Hamlet's father, urging Hamlet to avenge his death.
• Claudius is revealed as the murderer, having poisoned Hamlet's father by pouring poison in his ear.
• The ghost’s departure marks Hamlet's newfound sense of purpose.
• Hamlet compels Horatio and Marcellus to swear secrecy about the ghost’s revelation, symbolizing their pact on his sword.
• Their solemn oath signifies Hamlet’s commitment to revenge and the gravity of the situation.

Test your knowledge of Act 1 from Shakespeare's Hamlet. This quiz covers key characters, events, and themes, including the appearance of the ghost and the political dynamics within the Danish court. Delve into the intricacies of the plot and character motivations in the early stages of this classic play.