Hamlet Act 1 Scene 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where does the play take place?

Elsinore

What is happening as the play opens?

Bernardo is switching duties with Francisco on the guards platform.

Who are Marcellus and Bernardo?

Two guards at the castle.

Why has Marcellus brought Horatio for night watch?

To see the ghost that has been spotted for the last two nights. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the ghost appear to be and how is he dressed?

The ghost looks like King Hamlet and is dressed in armor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of tension between Norway and Denmark?

King Hamlet killed King Fortinbras and inherited land. Signup and view all the answers

What do Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo decide to do as the scene ends?

They decide to tell Hamlet about the ghost. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the familial ties now existing in Claudius's court.

Claudius married Gertrude, his brother's wife, making him Hamlet's stepdad. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius say it is time to do?

He says it's time to move forward. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Claudius writing to the King of Norway?

To get Young Fortinbras to stop his pursuit of revenge. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Laertes and what does he ask of the Kings?

Laertes is Polonius's son who wants to return to France. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Hamlet's present mood.

Sad and depressed. Signup and view all the answers

What is Claudius's reaction to Hamlet?

He tells Hamlet to get over it. Signup and view all the answers

What are Hamlet's feelings about his mother's marriage to Claudius?

He feels angry and thinks she is weak for remarrying so soon. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet plan to do after Bernardo, Marcellus, and Horatio inform him?

He plans to try and speak to the ghost. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet think the ghost of his father may be appearing?

He suspects foul play and wonders if his father was murdered. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ophelia and what advice does Laertes give her?

Ophelia is Polonius's daughter; Laertes advises her not to get invested in Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Polonius give Laertes before he leaves for France?

To think before he acts and to be true to himself. Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius order Ophelia to do?

He tells her to stop talking to Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

Where and when does Scene IV take place?

On the platform at night. Signup and view all the answers

What is happening during the King and Queen's celebration involving a cannon?

They are drinking. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Atmosphere

The play is set in Elsinore, Denmark.
The opening scene features a tense atmosphere with Bernardo and Francisco switching guard duties at night, highlighting darkness and cold.
A ghost has been appearing, foreshadowing unrest.

Key Characters

Marcellus and Bernardo are guards at Elsinore Castle.
Horatio is brought by Marcellus to witness the ghost's appearance.
The ghost resembles King Hamlet, dressed in battle armor from his victory over Norway.

Historical Context

Tension exists between Denmark and Norway due to King Hamlet having killed King Fortinbras of Norway, thus leading to a desire for revenge from Fortinbras's son.
The castle is being guarded in anticipation of potential conflict.

Plot Development

Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo plan to inform Prince Hamlet about the ghost to confront it.
Claudius, now King, is married to his deceased brother's wife, Gertrude, complicating family dynamics.

Claudius's Role

Claudius urges the court to move forward from sorrow, emphasizing action despite mourning.
He sends a letter to the King of Norway via Cornelius and Voltemand, advising them to halt Fortinbras's revenge.

Character Relations

Laertes asks for permission to return to France, which is granted.
Hamlet's mood is characterized by sadness and depression, indicating deeper emotional turmoil.

Family Dynamics and Conflicts

Claudius criticizes Hamlet for his mourning, suggesting he should be more masculine, while Gertrude asks him to remain in Denmark.
Hamlet resents his mother's hasty remarriage to Claudius, feeling betrayed.

Hamlet's Intentions

After learning about the ghost, Hamlet intends to confront it, urging his companions to keep the matter secret.
He speculates whether foul play led to his father's death.

Ophelia and Laertes

Ophelia is Polonius's daughter and Laertes's sister; Laertes warns her against investing in Hamlet's affections.
Polonius advises Laertes to be prudent in France, promoting wise behavior and self-truth.

Polonius's Advice to Ophelia

Polonius cautions Ophelia about Hamlet's intentions, ordering her to avoid him, and she agrees.

Scene IV

The setting transitions to the guard platform at night, where the guards await the ghost's return.

Festivals and Customs

During a court celebration, cannons are fired as they drink.
Hamlet criticizes the revelry, suggesting it tarnishes Denmark's reputation, stressing that even minor flaws can overshadow greatness.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Hamlet's opening scene with these flashcards. Explore the setting, characters, and atmosphere as the play begins in Elsinore. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of Act 1, Scene 1.