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Questions and Answers
Where is Elsinore in Act 1, Scene 1?
Where is Elsinore in Act 1, Scene 1?
Denmark
What time of day is it when the play starts?
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?
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?
Who does the ghost in Act 1, Scene 1 look like?
How many times does the ghost appear in Act 1, Scene 1?
How many times does the ghost appear in Act 1, Scene 1?
What country did the late King go to battle against?
What country did the late King go to battle against?
In Act 1, Scene 1, why does Marcellus bring Horatio to talk to Francisco and Bernardo?
In Act 1, Scene 1, why does Marcellus bring Horatio to talk to Francisco and Bernardo?
What causes the ghost to disappear?
What causes the ghost to disappear?
After the ghost disappears, what does Bernardo say about the ghost's behavior?
After the ghost disappears, what does Bernardo say about the ghost's behavior?
At the end of Act 1, Scene 1, what does Horatio say he intends to do?
At the end of Act 1, Scene 1, what does Horatio say he intends to do?
Who is Horatio?
Who is Horatio?
What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?
What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?
In Act 1, Scene 2, what two events does Claudius describe?
In Act 1, Scene 2, what two events does Claudius describe?
What is the Prince of Norway's name?
What is the Prince of Norway's name?
Who is Claudius?
Who is Claudius?
What is Hamlet's mother's name?
What is Hamlet's mother's name?
Which two characters is Laertes related to?
Which two characters is Laertes related to?
What does Claudius say to Hamlet at this early point in the play?
What does Claudius say to Hamlet at this early point in the play?
During his first soliloquy, what does Hamlet say about his mother?
During his first soliloquy, what does Hamlet say about his mother?
Before Hamlet hears about the ghost, how does he feel about Claudius?
Before Hamlet hears about the ghost, how does he feel about Claudius?
How does Horatio describe the ghost to Hamlet?
How does Horatio describe the ghost to Hamlet?
What does Hamlet say when he first hears about the ghost?
What does Hamlet say when he first hears about the ghost?
Before he has seen the ghost, how does Hamlet describe his parents' marriage?
Before he has seen the ghost, how does Hamlet describe his parents' marriage?
Early in the play, what country does Claudius send messengers to?
Early in the play, what country does Claudius send messengers to?
Who is Ophelia?
Who is Ophelia?
Who is Ophelia in love with?
Who is Ophelia in love with?
Before he returns to school, what does Laertes tell Ophelia about her boyfriend?
Before he returns to school, what does Laertes tell Ophelia about her boyfriend?
What does Polonius tell Laertes about borrowing money?
What does Polonius tell Laertes about borrowing money?
What does Polonius say is the most important thing for Laertes to remember as he leaves Elsinore?
What does Polonius say is the most important thing for Laertes to remember as he leaves Elsinore?
After Laertes has left in Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius tell Ophelia about her romance?
After Laertes has left in Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius tell Ophelia about her romance?
In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius ask Ophelia to do about Hamlet?
In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius ask Ophelia to do about Hamlet?
In Act 1, Scene 3, where is Laertes going?
In Act 1, Scene 3, where is Laertes going?
What does Ophelia tell Laertes about his advice on her love life?
What does Ophelia tell Laertes about his advice on her love life?
What does Polonius tell Laertes about talking and listening to people?
What does Polonius tell Laertes about talking and listening to people?
When he is giving Laertes advice, what does Polonius say about friends?
When he is giving Laertes advice, what does Polonius say about friends?
In Act 1, Scene 3, before Laertes leaves Elsinore, what does Polonius say about clothes?
In Act 1, Scene 3, before Laertes leaves Elsinore, what does Polonius say about clothes?
Where does Act 1, Scene 4 take place?
Where does Act 1, Scene 4 take place?
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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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