Hamlet Act 1, Scenes 1-5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where is Elsinore in Act 1, Scene 1?

Denmark

What time of day is it when the play starts?

Late at night

At the start of the play, what are Francisco and Bernardo doing?

They are on watch

Who does the ghost in Act 1, Scene 1 look like?

The king who just died Signup and view all the answers

How many times does the ghost appear in Act 1, Scene 1?

Twice Signup and view all the answers

What country did the late King go to battle against?

Norway Signup and view all the answers

In Act 1, Scene 1, why does Marcellus bring Horatio to talk to Francisco and Bernardo?

To confirm what they have seen Signup and view all the answers

What causes the ghost to disappear?

When the cock crows Signup and view all the answers

After the ghost disappears, what does Bernardo say about the ghost's behavior?

It looks like it wants to speak Signup and view all the answers

At the end of Act 1, Scene 1, what does Horatio say he intends to do?

Tell Prince Hamlet about the ghost Signup and view all the answers

Who is Horatio?

Hamlet's friend Signup and view all the answers

What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?

Very cold Signup and view all the answers

In Act 1, Scene 2, what two events does Claudius describe?

His brother's death and his own marriage to Gertrude Signup and view all the answers

What is the Prince of Norway's name?

Fortinbras Signup and view all the answers

Who is Claudius?

Hamlet's uncle and the new king Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's mother's name?

Gertrude Signup and view all the answers

Which two characters is Laertes related to?

Polonius and Ophelia Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius say to Hamlet at this early point in the play?

He is too sad Signup and view all the answers

During his first soliloquy, what does Hamlet say about his mother?

She forgot his father too quickly Signup and view all the answers

Before Hamlet hears about the ghost, how does he feel about Claudius?

He does not trust him Signup and view all the answers

How does Horatio describe the ghost to Hamlet?

More sad than angry Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say when he first hears about the ghost?

He wants to talk to it Signup and view all the answers

Before he has seen the ghost, how does Hamlet describe his parents' marriage?

His mother was devoted to his father Signup and view all the answers

Early in the play, what country does Claudius send messengers to?

Norway Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ophelia?

Daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ophelia in love with?

Hamlet Signup and view all the answers

Before he returns to school, what does Laertes tell Ophelia about her boyfriend?

As a prince, Hamlet may not get to choose who he marries Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius tell Laertes about borrowing money?

Do not borrow or lend money Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius say is the most important thing for Laertes to remember as he leaves Elsinore?

Be true to yourself Signup and view all the answers

After Laertes has left in Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius tell Ophelia about her romance?

Do not trust his promises of love Signup and view all the answers

In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius ask Ophelia to do about Hamlet?

Stay away from him Signup and view all the answers

In Act 1, Scene 3, where is Laertes going?

Back to college Signup and view all the answers

What does Ophelia tell Laertes about his advice on her love life?

Make sure you follow your own advice Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius tell Laertes about talking and listening to people?

Listen to people, but do not talk very much Signup and view all the answers

When he is giving Laertes advice, what does Polonius say about friends?

Keep your good friends close to you Signup and view all the answers

In Act 1, Scene 3, before Laertes leaves Elsinore, what does Polonius say about clothes?

Get costly, but not showy or ostentatious clothes Signup and view all the answers

Where does Act 1, Scene 4 take place?

Unknown Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Atmosphere

Elsinore is located in Denmark.
The play begins late at night.
The weather is very cold, contributing to an ominous atmosphere.

Ghostly Encounters

Francisco and Bernardo are on watch at the start of the play.
The ghost resembles the recently deceased king.
The ghost appears to Horatio and his companions twice before disappearing at the sound of the crowing cock.
After the ghost vanishes, Bernardo notes its desire to speak.

Key Characters Introduced

Horatio is Hamlet's friend, brought by Marcellus to confirm the ghostly sightings.
Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, is the new king, who addresses the court about his brother’s death and his marriage to Gertrude.
Hamlet’s mother is named Gertrude.
Laertes is related to Polonius (father) and Ophelia (sister), and is heading back to college.

Family Dynamics and Politics

The Prince of Norway is named Fortinbras, reflecting political tensions.
Claudius acknowledges Hamlet’s sadness and suggests he should move on.
Hamlet feels distrust towards Claudius.

Hamlet’s Soliloquy and Internal Conflict

Hamlet expresses disdain for his mother's quick remarriage after his father's death.
Before the ghost's revelation, Hamlet reflects on his parents' marriage, believing his mother was devoted to his father.

Relationships and Advice

Ophelia, daughter of Polonius, is in love with Hamlet.
Laertes warns Ophelia that Hamlet’s royal status may complicate their relationship.
Polonius advises Laertes to avoid borrowing money and emphasizes self-identity, good friendships, and proper communication etiquette.
Polonius suggests to Ophelia to steer clear of Hamlet and not to trust his declarations of love.

Significant Plot Developments

After Laertes departs, Polonius and Ophelia discuss the latter’s romance with Hamlet and Polonius warns her about his intentions.
Polonius provides Laertes with a variety of life advice before he returns to school, including recommendations on clothing style.

Act Locations

The scene transitions to various significant locations, with Elsinore being the central setting throughout the early acts.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first act of Shakespeare's Hamlet through engaging flashcards. This quiz covers key elements including settings, characters, and essential events from scenes 1 to 5. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of Shakespearean literature.