Hamlet Act 1: Key Characters, Settings, and Plot Points

Where does the play take place?

Elsinore Castle in Denmark.

Why has Horatio joined Bernardo and Marcellus at night?

Marcellus explains that Horatio doubts their story about seeing the Ghost, so they brought Horatio to confirm what they saw.

How does Horatio interpret the appearance of the Ghost?

He believes the ghost is a foreboding omen for Denmark.

What three questions does Marcellus raise?

Why are they on nightly watch? Why are weapons being gathered? Why are shipbuilders working constantly?

What events led to preparations for war?

King Fortinbras of Norway challenged Hamlet's father and was killed; now young Fortinbras seeks revenge and his father's land back.

What three reasons does Horatio list for a ghost returning from the grave?

1. To tell of a great deed left undone. 2. To warn the country of approaching danger. 3. To reveal hidden treasure.

What is one reason Horatio fails to list for a ghost's return?

To tell the circumstances of their death.

Why do Horatio and Marcellus decide to tell Hamlet about the Ghost?

They believe it is his father and that it will speak to him.

What news does King Claudius announce at the opening of Scene 2?

He has married Gertrude, his brother's widow and Hamlet's mother.

Why does Claudius send Cornelius and Voltimand to Norway?

Since Fortinbras gathered troops, Claudius asks the King of Norway to stop him from attacking Denmark.

What bothers Claudius and Gertrude about Hamlet's dress?

Hamlet is wearing black mourning clothes—an unpleasant reminder of her hasty marriage.

Why does Claudius want Hamlet to remain at court?

So that he can be watched.

How long has Hamlet's father been dead?

Less than two months.

Why does Hamlet say "Frailty, thy name is woman"?

He disapproves of his mother marrying so soon after his father's death.

What is Hamlet's plan at the end of Scene 2?

To stand watch that night and wait for his father's ghost to appear.

Why does Laertes warn Ophelia not to place too much hope in Hamlet's love?

He warns her that Hamlet's love will not last.

What limits Hamlet's choice of a marriage partner?

His choice must be governed by the opinion and consent of Denmark.

What advice does Ophelia give Laertes in return?

She warns him not to be a hypocrite—don't preach virtue while ignoring his own advice.

What does Polonius mean by "Give thy thoughts no tongue"?

He should keep his thoughts to himself and not act on unfit ones.

What does "Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice" mean?

Listen to all but confide in only a few.

What does "Neither a borrower nor a lender be" mean?

Don't borrow or lend money; you'll lose both the money and the friend.

What are Polonius's instructions to Ophelia about Hamlet?

He orders her not to disgrace herself or her name by speaking to Hamlet.

What is happening at the court while Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are on the platform?

The king is staying up late drinking and dancing wildly.

Why does Hamlet denounce the custom of drunken celebration?

It makes Denmark look bad to other nations—they're called drunkards and pigs, ruining their good name.

What happens at the end of Scene 4?

The ghost beckons Hamlet, and Hamlet follows.

What does the Ghost reveal about the manner of his death?

He was murdered by Claudius, his brother.

What does the Ghost tell Hamlet about his mother?

She had an affair with Claudius while Hamlet's father was alive.

What three tasks does the Ghost tell Hamlet to undertake?

1. Free the crown of Denmark from incest. 2. Protect his own virtue and integrity. 3. Do not harm his mother.

What does Hamlet imply he may decide to do?

He may have to disguise himself with strange behavior.

What future events does Act One prepare us to anticipate in the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia?

Hamlet and Ophelia will reconnect secretly, even though she's not allowed to see him.

What future events does Act One prepare us to anticipate in Hamlet's behavior?

Hamlet will increasingly act irrationally.