Hamlet, Act I

Where is Elsinore in Act I, Scene 1? Denmark
What time of day is it when the play starts? Late at night
At the start of the play, what are Francisco and Bernardo doing? They are on watch.
Who does the ghost look like? The king who just died
How many times does the ghost appear in Act I, Scene I? Twice
What country did the late king go to battle against? Norway
Why does Marcellus bring Horatio to talk to Francisco and Bernardo? To confirm what they have seen
The ghost appears to Horatio and his companions, but something scares it, causing it to disappear. What is it? A cock crows.
After the ghost disappears, what does Bernardo say about the ghost’s behavior? It looks like it wants to speak.
At the end of Act I, Scene I, what does Horatio say he intends to do? Tell Prince Hamlet about the ghost
Who is Horatio? Hamlet’s friend
What is the weather like at the beginning of the play? Very cold
Act I, Scene 2, what two events does Claudius describe? His brother’s death and his own marriage to Gertrude
What is the Prince of Norway’s name? Fortinbras
Who is Claudius? Hamlet’s uncle and the new king
What is Hamlet’s mother’s name? Gertrude
To which two characters is Laertes related? Polonius and Ophelia
When the audience first sees Claudius, he gives a speech about the current situation in Denmark and then speaks to Hamlet about his behavior. What does Claudius say to Hamlet at this early point in the play? He is too sad.
During his first soliloquy, what does Hamlet say about his mother? She forgot his father too quickly.
Before Hamlet hears about the ghost, how does he feel about Claudius? He does not trust him.
How does Horatio describe the ghost to Hamlet? More sad than angry
What does Hamlet say when he first hears about the ghost? He wants to talk to it.
Before he has seen the ghost, how does Hamlet describe his parents’ marriage? His mother was devoted to his father.
Early in the play, to what country does Claudius send messages? Norway
Who is Ophelia? Daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes
With whom is Ophelia in love? Hamlet
Before he returns to school, what does Laertes tell Ophelia about her boyfriend? As a prince, Hamlet may not get to choose whom he marries.
What does Polonius tell Laertes about borrowing money? Do not borrow or lend money.
What does Polonius say is the most important thing for Laertes to remember as he leaves Elsinore? Be true to yourself.
After Laertes has left in Act I, Scene iii, Polonius talks to Ophelia about her romance. What does Polonius tell her? Do not trust his promises of love.
In Act I, Scene iii, what does Polonius ask Ophelia to do about Hamlet? Stay away from him.
In Act I, Scene iii, where is Laertes going? Back to college
What does Ophelia tell Laertes about his advice concerning her love life? Make sure you follow your own advice.
Polonius gives Laertes plenty of advice before Laertes leaves Elsinore. What does Polonius tell Laertes about talking and listening to people? Listen to people, but do not talk very much.
When he is giving Laertes advice, what does Polonius say about friends? Keep your good friends close to you.
In Act I, Scene iii, before Laertes leaves Elsinore, Polonius gives him advice about clothes. What does Polonius say? Get costly, but not showy or ostentatious clothes.
Where does Act I, Scene iv take place? On the platform
What time of day is it in Act I, Scene iv? After midnight
As Hamlet and the others wait to see the ghost in Act I, Scene iv, what do they hear in the distance? Trumpets being blown and ordinance being fired
What is the king doing Act I, Scene iv? Drinking and celebrating
As they wait for the ghost, Hamlet describes the king’s nightly tradition. What does Hamlet think about this tradition? It makes the Danes look bad to other countries.
How does Hamlet react when he sees the ghost for the first time? He is startled but tries to talk about it.
When Hamlet first sees the ghost, what does he call it? King, father, royal Dane
What does the ghost do to Hamlet in Act I, Scene iv? Beckons him to follow him
When Hamlet and his friends first see the ghost, what do Hamlet’s friends tell him to do? Do not go with the ghost.
Does Hamlet think the ghost can harm him? No
What does Horatio say the ghost might do to Hamlet? Drive him crazy
Once Hamlet follows the ghost, what do Hamlet’s friends decide to do? Follow Hamlet and the ghost
Who does the ghost claim to be? Hamlet’s father
When the ghost first speaks to Hamlet, how does it describe its experience? It walks at night and is tortured by day.
What shocking news does the ghost deliver to Hamlet in Act I, Scene v? Claudius killed Hamlet’s father.
What is the public explanation of the last king’s death? He was stung by a serpent.
What is the real reason for the last king’s death? Poison poured in his ear
What other “crime” has been committed against the last king? Claudius seduced his wife.
During their first conversation, what does the ghost tell Hamlet about his mother? Do not blame her for what happened.
In Act I, Scene v, what does the ghost ask Hamlet to do? Get revenge
What does Hamlet tell his friends about his meeting with the ghost? He tells them nothing.
After his first meeting with the ghost, what does Hamlet ask his friends to do? Keep his secret
At the end of the first act, what does Hamlet warn his friends he might do? Pretend to be crazy
Hamlet says, “The time is out of joint: O cursed spite/That ever I was born to set it right!” What does that mean? He wishes he did not have to do the things he expects to do.
July 13, 2019