Act 1 Scene 1 Flashcards
What critic can be used when talking about the opening act?
‘The opening scene of Hamlet is as well constructed as that of any play ever written’ - T.S.Eliot
What tragic convention does the opening scene lack?
A chorus - instead it goes straight into action (media res).
What is the opening line?
‘Who’s there?’
What can be inferred about the opening line ‘Who’s there?’?
It portrays an immediate sense of distrust and a lack of faith in the current state of the Danish court (state of war).
What can be said about the setting in ‘Tis now struck twelve’ ?
Barnado’s quote sets the play at midnight - can be linked to the AO3 of the witching hour. Perhaps foreshadows the supernatural events to come.
What does technique is used in ‘sick at heart’ and what does it mean?
The metaphor creates a sense of unease and suspense - is this due to the corrupt ghost or the Danish court? The motif of illness also foreshadows the upcoming tension
What quotes immediately portrays Horatio as logical?
‘tis but our fantasy’, ‘Thou art a scholar, speak to it, Horatio’ ‘He may approve our eyes and speak to it’
What quotes present the ghost as ambiguous?
‘It harrows me with fear and wonder’ and ‘fair and warlike form’
What can be structurally said about the entrance and exit of the ghost?
The ghost enters and exits within 13 lines - this abrupt appearance creates a sense of unease and intrigue - linked to the fear and fascination with the supernatural in Shakespearan audiences (Witchcraft Act in 1542 - engages audience).
What can be inferred about Old Hamlet through ‘the very armour’?
The use of costume presents OH as a warrior/courageous/heroic - medieval man in comparison to the renaissance man Hamlet.
What technique is used in ‘bodes some strange eruption to our state’ and what does it mean?
The metaphor presents an aura of violence, destruction and unpredictability - the ghost is seen ominously - unrest in court?
What can be inferred in the quotation ‘ unimproved mettle, hot and full’?
It exemplifies YF as a medieval man. He is traditionally hyper masculine and acts on his rage. He is unexperienced but not heeded and rash - typical avenger
What does the use of the prop ‘partisan’ show?
Presents Marcellus as very quick to act to protect Denmark.
