Shakespeare and Hamlet Act 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering William Shakespeare's background, theater history, and the key characters, quotes, and plot developments of Hamlet Act 1.

Blank verse

Unrhymed poetry usually written in iambic pentameter, used by Shakespeare to give speech rhythm and dignity while sounding natural but poetic.

"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

A line spoken by Marcellus after Hamlet follows the ghost, signifying that something is wrong or corrupt in Denmark.

"To thine own self be true."

Polonius’s advice to his son Laertes, meaning to be honest with oneself and to choose friends wisely.

John Heminges and Henry Condell

The individuals who helped compile Shakespeare's First Folio, which was published in 1623.

First Folio

The collection of Shakespeare's plays compiled with the assistance of John Heminges and Henry Condell and published in 1623.

Southwark, London, England

The original geographic location of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Shakespeare’s father's occupations

The trades practiced by Shakespeare’s father: glover, leather worker, and businessman.

Anne Hathaway

Shakespeare’s wife, whom he married outside their own parish in order to speed up the wedding and prevent a public scandal.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men and The King’s Men

The names of the two acting companies associated with William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare’s play count

The total body of dramatic work credited to Shakespeare, numbering approximately 37 plays.

Globe Theatre capacity

The total audience size that could watch a theatrical performance at the Globe Theatre, which was about 3,000 people.

Categories of Shakespeare’s plays

The three dramatic genres written by Shakespeare: comedies (e.g., A Midsummer Night’s Dream), histories (e.g., Henry V), and tragedies (e.g., Hamlet).

Hamlet’s father's job

King of Denmark.

Horatio’s skepticism

His initial doubt over whether the ghost is real, which changes only after he sees the ghost himself.

Laertes’s request to Claudius

A petition asking the king for permission to return to France to continue his studies.

Gertrude’s request to Hamlet

Her plea asking Hamlet to stop wearing dark mourning clothes and to cease grieving excessively for his deceased father.

Cause of Hamlet’s upset with Gertrude

Gertrude's choice to remarry Claudius less than two months after King Hamlet’s funeral, an act Hamlet views as disrespectful.

Laertes’s advice to Ophelia

A warning instructing her to be cautious about romance with Hamlet, safeguard her reputation, and avoid focusing excessively on love.

King Hamlet’s ghost’s command regarding Gertrude

An instruction to Hamlet directing him to leave his mother to heaven and not cause her harm.

Act 1 oath of secrecy

The pledge made at the conclusion of Act 1 wherein Horatio and Marcellus swear not to reveal what they witnessed and promise to keep the events secret.

Armored ghost

An ominous appearance in Act 1 that suggests political unrest and impending danger facing Denmark.

Claudius’s royal court speech

An address whose quick celebration of marriage to Gertrude following King Hamlet’s death highlights questionable judgment and familial corruption.

The midnight drinking party

An event marked by heavy drinking among the Danes that harms Denmark’s international reputation and portrays the country as undisciplined.