Lecture Notes on Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet

Introduction

• Main Theme: Introduction to the characters and initial plot of Act 1, Scene 1 in Hamlet.
• Setting: Takes place at the ramparts of Elsinore Castle, Denmark.

Characters Mentioned

• Francisco, Marcellus, and Barnardo

  • Guards on duty at Elsinore.
  • First to encounter the ghost of King Hamlet.

• Horatio

  • A nobleman and Hamlet’s best friend.
  • Characteristics: Loyal, courageous, a scholar, and a leader.
  • Trusted confidant to Hamlet.

• Ghost of King Hamlet

  • Resembles the recently deceased King of Denmark.
  • Appears on the ramparts over several evenings.

• Fortinbras

  • Prince of Norway, mentioned by Horatio.
  • Parallel to Hamlet, seeking revenge for his father’s death.

• Hamlet

  • Prince of Denmark, does not speak in this scene.
  • His succession to the throne is in question due to his Uncle Claudius.
  • His father, King Hamlet, has recently died.

Plot Summary

• Opening Scene: Takes place on the ramparts of Elsinore Castle.
• Transition of Guard Duty: Bernardo relieves Francisco.
• Nervous Tension: "Who’s there?" creates an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.

Appearance of the Ghost

• First Appearance

  • Resembles King Hamlet, wearing armor from his battles.
  • Attempts by Horatio to communicate fail; the ghost disappears.

• Second Appearance

  • Reappears briefly but vanishes again at dawn with the rooster’s crow.

Themes & Analysis

• Uncertainty and Dread

  • Established through nervous guards and the mysterious ghost.

• Warning of Attack

  • Horatio fears ghost is a forewarning of a Norwegian attack.
  • Fortinbras is raising an army to reclaim lands lost to King Hamlet.

• Theme of Revenge

  • Ghost’s appearance ties to revenge themes, initially Fortinbras’ revenge.
  • Predictions of father-son revenge themes: Fortinbras, Hamlet, and Laertes.

Conclusion

• Narrative Setup
  • Horatio decides they must inform Hamlet about the ghost due to its resemblance to his father.
  • Every father-son relationship in the play will explore the theme of revenge, setting up future conflicts.