| While hamlet is out with Horatio and the guards looking for the ghost of king hamlet, what is king Claudius doing? why does hamlet find this offensive? | He has been drinking and partying; Claudius’ brother just died and he should be focusing on the impending attack of Denmark by Norway |
| When hamlet sees the ghost of his father, he says “it will not speak. I will follow it.” Why do you suppose, Hamlet refers to the ghost as it instead of him? | He isn’t sure if its his father or if its even real |
| Why don’t hamlets friends want him to follow the ghost? | It is dangerous, and they do not trust the ghost or the situation |
| When hamlet decides the follow the ghost, he says that “each petty artery” in his body is as hardy as the Nemean Lion’s nerve”. Explain why this is an interesting simile for hamlet to use. | He feels like he is invincible like the mythical lion(The Nemean lion was a vicious monster in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea. It could not be killed with mortals’ weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack.) |
| Why isn’t Hamlet afraid of being hurt by the ghost? | He doesn’t care if he lives or dies |
| At the end of the scene, the famous line “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” is delivered. Who says this line? What does it mean? | Marcellus; something doesn’t feel right and something bad will happen to those involved |
Hamlet: act 1, scene 4
August 25, 2019