Hamlet Test Act 1

Revenge

The act of inflicting harm or punishment on someone for a wrong suffered.

Honor

High respect; esteem, often tied to one's reputation and integrity.

Foreshadowing

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

"This bodes some strange eruption to our state"

Horatio's statement suggesting that something bad is going to happen in Denmark, indicating foreshadowing.

"A little more than kin, and less than kind"

Hamlet's comment on his relationship with Claudius, indicating a closer blood relation but a lack of emotional connection.

"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"

Horatio’s observation that suggests corruption and dishonor in the leadership of Denmark.

Appearance vs Reality

A theme indicating that things are not always as they seem, highlighting deception in people's appearances.

Antic Disposition

A term used by Hamlet indicating that he plans to feign madness to disguise his true intentions.

Soliloquy

A speech where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often alone on stage.

Time is "out of joint"

A phrase indicating that the natural order of time has been disrupted due to Hamlet's father's death and Gertrude's quick remarriage.

Ghost's Demands

The ghost of Hamlet's father demands that he avenge his murder by Claudius.

Appearance vs Reality Theme

The theme which explores the contrast between the appearance of King Hamlet's death (snake bite) and the reality (poisoned by Claudius).

"So art to revenge when thou shout here"

The ghost's command to Hamlet regarding the necessity of revenge.

Hamlet's Feelings Toward Gertrude

Hamlet feels deep disappointment towards his mother for her quick remarriage to Claudius after his father's death.

Claudius' Crime

The murder of King Hamlet through poison, hidden behind the appearance of natural death.

The Ghost's Warning

The ghost warns Hamlet not to harm Gertrude, indicating his lingering care for her.