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Exploring the Ghost in Hamlet's Act 1

Jun 3, 2025

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.