Scene 1 Flashcards
What does the opening provide?
Exposition (background)
What is the function of Act 1?
To create ambiguity and immediately engage the audience
What does the introduction of the ghost reflect within Shakespearean society?
Fear of the supernatural
When was the witchcraft act passed?
1542
What did the witchcraft act make punishable by death?
Practicing witchcraft
Why is the play introduced at midnight and why is it described as cold?
Creates an atmosphere of hidden truths
Where is Scene 1 set in the stage directions?
‘It is cold, and it is midnight’
What technique is used in the stage directions of Scene 1
Pathetic fallacy
What is the opening line of the play and who says it?
Barnardo: ‘Whose there?’
Why does the play open with Barnardo saying ‘Who’s there?’
Establishes uncertainty from the outset and represents the broader themes of questioning in the play
Are the lines in the opening long or short?
Short
What do the short lines in the opening contrast?
The next scene to show uncertainty and questioning
What does ‘Tis now struck twelve’ represent?
A transitional point
Who says ‘Tis Now struck twelve?’
Barnardo
What does Barnardo saying ‘Tis now struck twelve’ link to?
The time of political uncertainty and fear in Shakespearean society
What atmosphere does the quick exchanging of dialogue create?
Unease and uncertainty
What do Horatio and Marcellus represent?
A physical changing of authority
What is Horatio and Marcellus entering symbolic of?
The transfer of power of the 1600s from Elizabeth to James I
Where is the play set?
Denmark
Why is the play set in Denmark?
To tackles the issue of censorship and to allow Shakespeare to deal with controversial topics
Does Horatio initially believe in the ghost?
No
What does Marcellus describe the ghost as on line 27? What does it show?
A ‘dreaded sight’ to show that the ghost brings uncertainty and fear
Does the ghost every say anything in the opening?
No
Why does the ghost not speak in the opening?
To create ambiguity
What does Marcellus describe Horatio as?
A scholar
What is the role of Horatio in the play?
To act as the voice of reason
What is the purpose of even Horatio seeing the Ghost?
To legitimise the ghost
‘It harrows me with …….. and ………’
Fear / wonder
Who says that the ghost ‘Harrows [him] with fear and wonder’?
Horatio
What does the ambiguous nature of the ghost reflect?
The dual attitude towards magic
Horatio says ‘That …… and ……… form’
Fair / warlike
Why does the ghost enter and exit only briefly?
To show its ominous energy
Barnardo: ‘See it …… away’
Stalks
‘Such was the very …….. he had on. When he th’ambitious Norway combated’ What does this show?
Armour. Shows the ghost is directly linked to old Hamlet who is depicted as a hero and warrior
This bodes some …………………………. To our state’ What does this show about the ghost?
Strange eruption. Shows the ghost is viewed as an omen, threatening not only the guards but the whole state of Denmark.
‘Implements of …..’
War
What does the focus shift from to?
The ghost to the preparation for war
What does at east the whisper goes’ show about the war?
That its uncertain and speculated about
‘Fortinbras of Norway, thereto prick’d on by a most ………………’
Emulate pride
‘Of unimproved ……., hot and full’
Mettle
What is the Kay quote to describe young Fortinbras? What does is show?
‘Of unimproved mettle, hot and full’ . Shows that young Fortinbras is determined to take back the land that Norway has lost and he is of an unknown quantity, they dont know his true power. He is hot headed and defined by vengeance.
What theme does young Fortinbras introduce?
Filial duty
What does Horatio repeat to the ghost?
‘Speak to me’
‘If though art privy to…’ . What does this show that the ghost is viewed as?
Thy country’s fate. The ghost is viewed as an omen/ warning
‘It started like a….’ . What does this show?
Guilty thing. Shows that the guards are unsure if the ghost is threatening
What type of play is Hamlet?
Revenge tragedy
Which classical playwright influenced Shakespeare?
Seneca
How is Hamlet more complex than Shakespeares other plays?
It’s not solely based on sensationalism or violence
What play inspired Hamlet?
The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kid
Who wrote Daemonologie?
King James I of Scotland
What was Daemonlogie?
A pamphlet written by James I warning of the dangers of black magic
‘I am …… at heart’
Sick
What does Young Fortinbras act as for Hamlet?
A foil
‘The aim of tragedy is to arouse sensations of …… and …….’ (Aristotle)
Pity / fear
‘The opening scene of Hamlet is as well ………………. As that of any play ever written’ (T.S Elliot)
Constructed
Who was on the throne when Hamlet was fist performed?
Elizabeth I
Why was their anxiety about Elizabeths reign?
She had no children or husband so had no successor
How long had Elizabeth reigned when hamlet was first performed?
40 years
