Hamlet Act 1 Scene 1 Summary and Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who has replaced the old king on the throne?

Hamlet

Horatio

Francisco

Claudius (correct)

What is the setting at the beginning of the play?

The throne room of Elsinore Castle

A lively party at the castle

A dark and cold night on the castle ramparts (correct)

A sunny and warm morning in Denmark

Who saw a ghost resembling Hamlet's dead father on the previous nights?

Claudius and Gertrude

Polonius and Laertes

Horatio and Hamlet

Francisco and Bernardo (correct)

What does the ghost tell Hamlet?

To seek revenge on Claudius for taking his place on the throne Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall tone set by the opening scene?

Dreary and foreboding Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for King Claudius's celebration in the opening scene?

His recent wedding to Gertrude Signup and view all the answers

Why does King Claudius urge Hamlet to stay in Denmark?

To abandon mourning for his father and stay close to the court Signup and view all the answers

What is Laertes warned about regarding Hamlet's priorities?

He will always put the kingdom before Ophelia Signup and view all the answers

What is Polonius more concerned about when advising Laertes?

His future success and wealth Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet criticize the revelry from the castle during the night of the ghost's appearance?

As damaging to Danes' reputation for drunkenness Signup and view all the answers

What is Polonius's main objective in sending Reynaldo to France?

To spy on Laertes and discover how he is living Signup and view all the answers

Why does Polonius suggest that Reynaldo should imply negative qualities about Laertes when talking to people in France?

To make Laertes look bad and provoke gossip Signup and view all the answers

How does Polonius react when Ophelia tells him about Hamlet's visit to her chamber?

He blames himself for encouraging Hamlet's advances Signup and view all the answers

Why does Polonius believe it is necessary to inform the king and queen about Hamlet's romantic interest in Ophelia?

To avoid causing more grief by concealing the romantic connection Signup and view all the answers

How does Polonius feel about his influence on Hamlet's romantic pursuits?

Guilty, as he thinks he has inadvertently encouraged Hamlet's advances Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hamlet's New King

Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, has replaced King Hamlet on the throne.

Setting

The play begins at Elsinore Castle in Denmark.

Ghost Sighting

Marcellus and Bernardo saw a ghost resembling Hamlet's dead father on the previous nights.

The Ghost's Message

The ghost tells Hamlet that he was murdered by his brother Claudius.

Initial Tone

The opening scene sets a tone of mourning, fear, and uncertainty.

Celebration and Urging

King Claudius is celebrating his recent marriage to Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude.
Claudius urges Hamlet to stay in Denmark, claiming it's for Hamlet's own good.

Warnings and Concerns

Laertes is warned about Hamlet's priorities, implying that Hamlet may not be trustworthy.
Polonius is more concerned about Laertes's moral conduct and behavior in France.

Criticizing the Revelry

Hamlet criticizes the excessive revelry from the castle during the night of the ghost's appearance.

Polonius's Objectives

Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to gather information about Laertes's activities.
Polonius suggests that Reynaldo should imply negative qualities about Laertes when talking to people in France, to test Laertes's reputation.

Polonius's Reaction

When Ophelia tells Polonius about Hamlet's visit to her chamber, Polonius reacts with concern and suspicion.
Polonius believes it's necessary to inform the king and queen about Hamlet's romantic interest in Ophelia, possibly to gain favor or influence.
Polonius feels proud of his influence on Hamlet's romantic pursuits, believing he can guide Hamlet's relationships.

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Description

Get a brief overview of Act 1 of Shakespeare's tragedy 'Hamlet', including the characters, setting, plot, and tone. Explore the events that unfold at Elsinore Castle in Denmark, where the play opens with the death of the king, the rise of Claudius, and the appearance of a ghost resembling Hamlet's deceased father.