HamletAct1PPTSceneBySceneSummaryBullets-1 (1)

Act 1 Scene Summaries

Scene 1

• Characters: Bernardo, Francisco, Horatio, Marcellus as sentinels on guard.

• Discussion of the ghost of King Hamlet.

• More witnesses lend credibility to the ghost's existence.

• Horatio explains they are on guard due to Prince Fortinbras's intentions to reclaim lost land.

Scene 2

• King Claudius marries Gertrude, widow of King Hamlet.

• Claudius expresses mixed feelings about the death of Hamlet and his marriage.

• Fortinbras threatens to invade; Claudius writes to Norway's King to stop him.

• Laertes seeks permission from Polonius to return to France.

• Hamlet is in mourning, displaying sadness and grief.

Scene 3

• Ophelia is cautioned by Laertes against a relationship with Hamlet.

• Polonius gives Laertes advice, treats him with respect, but is stern with Ophelia, forbidding her to see Hamlet.

• Notably quotes, "For the apparel oft proclaims the man."

Scene 4

• Hamlet criticizes the royal court's excessive drinking; perceives it as dishonorable and damaging to the state.

Scene 5

• The ghost reveals himself to Hamlet but is silent to Horatio.

• The ghost discloses that Claudius murdered him with poison in the ear.

• Ghost commands Hamlet to seek revenge on Claudius but spare Gertrude, believing she is already tainted.