Lecture Notes on "Hamlet" by Shakespeare - Act 1

Introduction

• Focus on "Hamlet" a Shakespearean tragedy
• Plan to go through each act and scene, summarizing key points and quotes
• Aim: Help with exams or refresh memory of the play

Act 1, Scene 1

• Setting: Opens with a sentinel exchange at midnight, emphasizing mystery
• Mood: Bitter cold, Francisco feels "sick at heart"
• Theme: Inner turmoil at court; threat is internal
• Pathetic Fallacy: Cold, night foreshadows dark events
• Characters: Starts with working-class guards, relatable for the audience
• Tone: Universal themes, introduces ghost
• Horatio's Role: Trusted figure, educated, humor

Act 1, Scene 2

• Setting: Claudius' court with fanfare vs. ghost of Old King
• Claudius' Speech: Superficial condolences, quick marriage to Gertrude
• Themes: Appearance vs. reality; political manipulation
• Hamlet's Reaction: Resentment towards Claudius, sarcastic comments
• Gertrude's Plea: Urges Hamlet to stop mourning
• Claudius' Manipulation: Uses political rhetoric to suppress Hamlet
• Hamlet's Soliloquy: Suicidal thoughts, disgust at mother's quick remarriage

Act 1, Scene 3

• Lartes: Leaving for France, warns Ophelia about Hamlet
• Ophelia's Position: Controlled by male figures, bound to virginity
• Polonius' Advice: Be true to self, cautious counsel

Act 1, Scene 4

• Setting: Midnight, guards with Hamlet
• Mood: Cold, tense atmosphere
• Ghost Appears: Beckons Hamlet
• Hamlet's Resolve: Chooses to follow the ghost despite warnings
• Significance: Foreshadows Hamlet's future madness

Act 1, Scene 5

• Ghost's Revelation: Old King murdered by Claudius
• Hamlet's Pledge: Swears revenge
• Themes: Regicide, betrayal, moral corruption
• Hamlet's Transformation: Energized, focused
• Horatio and Marcellus' Oath: Swear secrecy, support Hamlet

Conclusion

• Act 1 Summary: Establishes major themes and conflicts
• Themes: Corruption, betrayal, revenge, madness
• Character Dynamics: Hamlet's isolation, internal struggle

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Final Thoughts

• Heavy focus on internal and external conflicts
• The setup for Hamlet's tragic path
• Stay tuned for more detailed analysis in upcoming acts

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