Hamlet Act 1 Flashcards
What is the main plot point of Scene 1?
Marcellus and Horatio (etc…) are on guard at Elsinore Castle, and they see the ghost of Old Hamlet
What is the main plot point of Scene 3?
Ophelia’s character is introduced, it is revealed that she is at the beginning of a relationship with Hamlet. Both Polonius and Laertes tell her to “preserve herself” and stay away from Hamlet because he is bad news
What is the main plot point of Scene 4?
Hamlet meets Marcellus and Horatio so he can see the ghost of his father, which appears and beckons Hamlet to follow, which he does
What is the main plot point of Scene 5?
Hamlet follows the ghost of his father, who tells Hamlet he must go get revenge for his death (Claudius killed him) and Hamlet agrees, when he returns to his friends he makes them swear on his sword that they will never speak of this interaction with the ghost, because he is going to “start acting strangely”
What is the main plot point of Scene 2?
Claudius is holding a party, he and Gertrude tell him to “get over” the death of his father. Claudius then gives Laertes leave to return to France, and says he is going to do nothing about the potential attacks from Fortinbras (Norway). Horatio tells Hamlet about the ghost
What is the purpose of Scene 1?
Introduce the story, exposition. Shows that something unusual is happening throughout Denmark, and that multiple characters see the ghost, so it should be taken seriously
What is the purpose of Scene 2?
Scene 2 introduces the family dynamic of Hamlet, Gertrude and Claudius, which is extremely awkward. It also shows the personalities/archetypes of the characters. Hamlet is sarcastic and bitter. Claudius talks a lot, and would rather use that, than violence, he is cunning. Gertrude has internal battle of the female archetypes she must fulfil, mother, wife and queen
What is the purpose of Scene 3?
This introduces another important family dynamic, Ophelia, Laertes and Polonius. Ophelia is one of the main female characters, who fits into the maiden archetype, and is eager to please her father and brother. Polonius and Laertes’s main concern is that Ophelia remains a virgin
What is the purpose of Scene 4?
This scene is when Hamlet meets the ghost, Hamlet is willing to go with the ghost, although his friends suggest it may have deadly consequences. Hamlet’s willingness to follow the ghost shows he has little regard for his life
What is the purpose of Scene 5?
This scene is when Hamlet is set on his track to revenge, urged by the ghost. He is sworn to get revenge on his uncle, for his father’s death
What are the key themes in Scene 1?
Corruption, Poison and Death
Appearance vs. Reality
Religion, Honour and Revenge
What are the key themes in Scene 2?
Religion, Honour and Revenge
Women
Appearance vs. Reality
Action and Inaction
What are the key themes in Scene 3?
Religion, Honour and Revenge
Women
Appearance vs. Reality
What are the key themes in Scene 4?
Corruption, Death and Poison
Appearance vs. Reality
Action and Inaction
What are the key themes in Scene 5?
Religion, Honour and Revenge
Corruption, Death and Poison
Appearance vs. Reality
Action and Inaction
