Hamlet Act I Overview

In class, we have started Shakespeare's play Hamlet, a story of a prince who's duty is to seek revenge his father's death. Scene I commences with officer Bernardo switching positions with the watchman Francisco. Both men are frightened at the sound of footsteps. For the past couple nights, the men have been seeing the apparition of Hamlet. Scene II introduces King Claudius, Hamlet's brother who is engaged to Gertrude, Hamlet's wife. Hamlet (the son) is still mourning his father's death. Claudius advises Hamlet to stop moping and that everyone loses their father at one point. Alone, Hamlet exclaims that he wishes he could die, that he could evaporate and cease to exist.

In scene III, Laertes prepares to leave for France. Before he departs, he cautions Ophelia, his sister, to not fall for Hamlet. According to Laertes, Hamlet is too far above her by birth to be able to love her honorably. Ophelia agrees to keep his advice but also calls him a hypocrite. Polonius enters bidding his son farewell. Polonius advises Laertes on how to behave with integrity and practicality.

In scene IV, Hamlet is keeping watch outside the castle with Horatio and Marcellus, waiting for the ghost to appear. The ghost appears and Hamlet follows it. His companions urge him not follow it but after a moment, Horatio and Marcellus follow after the ghost and Hamlet. In scene V, the ghost speaks to Hamlet. The spirit reveals that King Claudius murdered him with poison and has corrupted Denmark and Gertrude. The ghost urges Hamlet to seek revenge but not on his mother. The ghost disappears and Hamlet swears to remember and obey it. Horatio and Marcellus arrive and ask what has happened. Hamlet insists that they swear upon his sword to not share the events that occurred. The men take to oath. Hamlet is now set on revenge.