"Hamlet" Act 1 Summary, Scene by Scene

Overview

• Act 1 sets the stage for the tragedy of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
• Key Plot Points:
  • Hamlet learns from his father's ghost that Claudius murdered him.
  • Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, married Claudius soon after the king's death.
  • Hamlet decides to pretend madness to investigate and seek revenge.
• Key Themes and Tones:
  • Dread and tragedy.
  • Conflict between honor and morality, appearance and reality.
  • Generational conflict, especially between Polonius and his children.

Act 1, Scene 1

• Set on a cold night at Elsinore Castle.
• Guards Francisco and Bernardo inform Horatio about a ghost resembling Hamlet's father.
• Horatio is skeptical but stays to see the ghost.
• The ghost appears but doesn't speak.
• Horatio plans to inform Hamlet.
• Tone: Calamity and dread.

Act 1, Scene 2

• Contrasts the previous scene with a celebration of Claudius's marriage to Gertrude.
• Hamlet is displeased, feeling betrayed by his mother's quick remarriage.
• Claudius discusses potential war and allows Laertes to return to school.
• Claudius urges Hamlet to stay in Denmark, dismissing his grief as stubbornness.
• Hamlet expresses anger, depression, and disgust in a soliloquy.
• The guards and Horatio tell him about the ghost.
• Claudius's role as antagonist is established.

Act 1, Scene 3

• Laertes advises Ophelia about Hamlet, suggesting he will prioritize the kingdom over her.
• Polonius gives Laertes advice on behavior, focusing on appearances.
• Polonius warns Ophelia about Hamlet, concerned about family honor.
• Ophelia promises not to see Hamlet, indicating her obedience.
• Theme: Generational conflict.

Act 1, Scene 4

• Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus wait for the ghost on another cold night.
• Hamlet criticizes the castle's drunken revelry.
• The ghost appears and beckons Hamlet.
• Despite warnings, Hamlet follows the ghost.
• Juxtaposition: Claudius's revelry vs. the ghost's solemn presence.

Act 1, Scene 5

• The ghost reveals he is King Hamlet, murdered by Claudius.
• Details the murder method: poison in the ear.
• The ghost asks Hamlet for revenge but urges him to spare Gertrude.
• Hamlet agrees to revenge and warns Horatio and Marcellus to keep silent.
• Hamlet decides to feign madness.
• Sympathy is invoked for the ghost.

Key Takeaways

• Plot Summary:
  • Hamlet's father was murdered by Claudius.
  • Gertrude's hasty marriage to Claudius.
  • Hamlet's vow to avenge his father while feigning insanity.
• Tones and Themes:
  • Dread and tragedy dominate.
  • Conflicts between honor/morality and appearance/reality.
  • Generational conflict, especially Claudius vs. Hamlet and Polonius vs. his children.

Sources

• Hudson Shakespeare Company
• UT Austin's Shakespeare at Winedale
• Cliffs Notes