Hamlet Act I Flashcards
Who sees the ghost first in Act 1?
The guards (Francisco, Bernardo, and Marcellus) and Horatio.The guards (Francisco, Bernardo, and Marcellus) and Horatio.
What does the ghost look like?
It resembles the late King Hamlet, wearing armor.
What does the ghost’s appearance symbolize?
Corruption and unrest in Denmark.
Why does Horatio decide to tell Hamlet about the ghost?
Because the ghost looks like his father and may have important information.
What major announcement does Claudius make in his first speech?
He has married Gertrude and is handling a potential conflict with Norway.
How does Claudius try to justify his marriage to Gertrude?
He says mourning must end, and life must continue.
Why is Hamlet upset with Gertrude?
She married Claudius too soon after King Hamlet’s death.
What does Hamlet’s first soliloquy reveal about his mental state?
He is depressed, contemplating suicide, and disgusted by the world.
What advice does Laertes give Ophelia?
Not to take Hamlet’s love seriously because he has royal responsibilities.
What does Polonius tell Ophelia about Hamlet?
He orders her to stop seeing Hamlet because he doesn’t truly love her.
How does Hamlet react to seeing the ghost?
He is eager to follow it, despite Horatio’s warning
What does the ghost reveal to Hamlet?
That Claudius murdered King Hamlet by pouring poison in his ear.
What does the ghost ask Hamlet to do?
Avenge his murder but leave Gertrude alone.
What plan does Hamlet make after hearing the ghost?
He will pretend to be mad to uncover the truth.
What does Hamlet make Horatio and Marcellus swear?
To keep the ghost’s appearance a secret.
What theme does Hamlet’s first soliloquy introduce?
Existential despair, corruption, and the frailty of life.
What theme does the ghost’s command introduce?
Revenge and justice.
How does Act 1 establish the theme of appearance vs. reality?
Claudius appears to be a just ruler, but he is actually a murderer.
How does Ophelia’s obedience to her father reflect gender roles?
Women were expected to be submissive and follow male authority.
What does Hamlet’s decision to act mad suggest about his intelligence?
He is strategic and manipulative, using deception to uncover the truth.
Who says, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” and what does it mean?
Marcellus; it means corruption is present in the kingdom.
What does Hamlet mean by “Frailty, thy name is woman!”?
He criticizes Gertrude, implying women are weak and easily swayed.
What does Polonius mean by “To thine own self be true”?
He advises Laertes to act with integrity, though he himself is hypocritical.
Why is “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” important?
The ghost tells Hamlet to avenge his death, driving the play’s plot.
How does Hamlet’s “O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt” soliloquy show his mindset?
He expresses suicidal thoughts and disillusionment with life.
What political conflict does Claudius address in Act 1?
Young Fortinbras of Norway threatens Denmark.
Why do Horatio and Marcellus hesitate to let Hamlet follow the ghost?
They fear it may be a demon leading him to harm.
What does the ghost warn Hamlet NOT to do?
Harm Gertrude or seek revenge on her.
How does Hamlet’s behavior change after meeting the ghost?
He begins acting mad, setting up his strategy for revenge.
Who is Hamlet?
The Prince of Denmark, protagonist of the play. He seeks revenge for his father’s murder.
Who is Claudius?
Hamlet’s uncle and the new King of Denmark. He secretly murdered King Hamlet.
Who is Gertrude?
Hamlet’s mother and Queen of Denmark. She quickly remarried Claudius after King Hamlet’s death.
Who is the Ghost?
The spirit of King Hamlet, who reveals that Claudius murdered him.
Who is Horatio?
Hamlet’s loyal friend and confidant. He remains rational and helps Hamlet throughout the play.
Who is Ophelia?
Daughter of Polonius and Hamlet’s love interest. She is caught between her loyalty to her family and Hamlet.
Who is Laertes?
Ophelia’s brother. He warns her about Hamlet and later seeks revenge against him.
Who is Polonius?
The Lord Chamberlain of Denmark and father to Ophelia and Laertes. He is manipulative and meddles in court affairs.
Who is Fortinbras?
The Prince of Norway. His father was killed by King Hamlet, and he seeks to reclaim lost land.
Who are Bernardo, Francisco, and Marcellus?
Danish guards who first see the ghost. Marcellus delivers the famous line, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
Who says, “O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt”, and what does it mean?
Hamlet; he is expressing suicidal thoughts, feeling trapped by grief and disgust over his mother’s remarriage.
What does Hamlet mean by “Frailty, thy name is woman!”?
He believes Gertrude’s quick remarriage shows women are weak and fickle.
What does Hamlet mean by “That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain”?
He realizes that appearances can be deceiving—Claudius acts kind but is a murderer.
What is the significance of Hamlet saying “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy”?
Hamlet tells Horatio that the supernatural (the ghost) is real, beyond what reason can explain.
What does Hamlet mean by “The time is out of joint. O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right!”?
He laments that fate has given him the burden of avenging his father’s death.
Who says, “With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage”, and what does it mean?
Claudius; he tries to justify his quick marriage, blending mourning and celebration.
What does Claudius mean by “Tis unmanly grief”?
What does Claudius mean by “Tis unmanly grief”?
Who says, “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder”, and what does it mean?
The Ghost; he commands Hamlet to avenge his death, revealing that Claudius killed him.
What does the Ghost mean by “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown”?
Claudius, like a snake (a biblical reference to treachery), murdered King Hamlet and took the throne.
What does “To thine own self be true” mean, and who says it?
Polonius; he advises Laertes to stay true to himself, though he himself is manipulative.
What does Polonius mean by “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice”?
He advises Laertes to listen more than he speaks, promoting wisdom.
What does “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” mean, and who says it?
Marcellus; he suggests that corruption is spreading in Denmark, referring to Claudius’ rule.
What is Hamlet’s main internal conflict in Act 1?
He struggles with grief, his mother’s betrayal, and whether to obey the ghost’s command for revenge.
How does Claudius try to manipulate Hamlet?
He tells Hamlet to stop mourning and insults his masculinity to make him comply.
What is the significance of the ghost appearing at night?
It creates an eerie, supernatural mood and suggests something unnatural has happened.
How does Polonius’ treatment of Ophelia foreshadow later events?
He controls her, making her emotionally vulnerable, which later leads to her downfall.
