Horatio

Question 1

(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet.

- characterisation of Horatio

Answer 1

• passive nature of Horatio’s character
• Horatio’s concern for Hamlet is particularly shown in the last scene as Hamlet is dying:
• He listens intently and accepts Hamlet’s dying wishes and promises to perform them

Question 2

Act 1 Scene 1: “Thou art a scholar,…”

Answer 2

Marcellus to Horatio: “Thou art a scholar, speak to it Horatio.”

• officers of the guard are dependent on Horatio and trust him because he is an academic
• demand Horatio to act first, in response to the appearance of the Ghost

Question 3

(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet.

- Horatio’s reaction towards the ghost

Answer 3

• crosses himself and holds prayer beads at the sight of the Ghost
• religious man = an open-mind despite studying Philosophy
• encourages one to question and challenge beliefs and religion

Question 4

(Simon Godwin) RSC ‘Hamlet’, 2016

- contrasting characterisation of Horatio

Answer 4

• an immature and a rather loud man
• People’s respect for Horatio is greatly implied within the text; however, Barnardo does not seem to react to Horatio in this way
• Visually, his greater physicality immediately positions Horatio as a weaker man
• Barnardo’s interaction with Horatio does not depict the difference in status between them
• inaccurate representation of how Horatio is a scholar whereas Barnardo is a watch guard

Question 5

Horatio is a trusted man and loyal friend to Hamlet, first meeting in play: “Hail…

Answer 5

• first meeting in the play is formal and presents him as being aware of Hamlet’s higher royal status: “Hail to your Lordship.”
• This proper and orderly welcome is not suggestive of their close friendship; thus, the audience only become aware of this when Hamlet proclaims Horatio “[his] good friend”.
• loyalty / respect first before friendship - trustworthy

Question 6

Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation

- Horatio’s sincerity to Hamlet

Answer 6

• Horatio moves Hamlet to a different room so that they can speak of the Ghost in complete privacy
• This also shows Horatio’s loyalty to Hamlet and concern that the court is not a confidential place
• Horatio is very aware of the corruption that is threaded through the leaders of Denmark

Question 7

(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet.

- Hamlet and Horatio’s close friendship in scene before Players perform

Answer 7

• Horatio allows Hamlet to fix his bow-tie in a brotherly way, while listening intently to what he is saying: “Here sweet Lord, at your service.”
• Interestingly, many of Horatio’s lines are cut from this adaptation = Horatio is a passive and obedient character and servant to Hamlet rather than having initiative and thoughts of his own

Question 8

Hamlet’s last conversation is with most loyal friend Horatio. What are Horatio’s words just after Hamlet’s death?

• Doran’s adaptation in this scene vs.
• RSC theatre adaptation

Answer 8

“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince”
=> Hamlet’s death greatly impacts Horatio, proving his genuine concern for his friend

Doran’s (Tennant) adaptation:
- heartfelt and brotherly - he hugs Hamlet’s body close to his, and sobs gently into his shoulder.

Contrastingly in Godwin’s theatre production:

• Horatio’s response seems melodramatic and unrealistic
• H loudly cries out/groans while shaking and sobbing violently, and holding Hamlet’s body in his arms. - plays Horatio too young and child-like to cope maturely in such a situation

Question 9

Last Scene, describing scene around him

Answer 9

“Carnal, bloody and unnatural acts”