Hamlet – Act 1 Questions
1. Why are Bernardo and Francisco standing watch at the beginning of the play? Why does
Horatio come to join them?
2. Explain how Horatio’s attitude toward the ghost changes as scene 1 develops.
3. Who is Fortinbras? Why does he intend to invade Denmark?
4. Explain the two major segments of the King’s speech at the beginning of scene two. What are
his intentions with each part?
5. How does Hamlet feel
a) Toward his mother?
b) toward Claudius?
c) about himself?
6. What advice does Laertes give to his sister Ophelia? Why?
7. What advice does Polonius give to Laertes?
8. What might a feminist think about the treatment of Ophelia at the hands of her father and
brother?
9. Why is Hamlet upset about Claudius’ actions as king?
10. When Hamlet first sees the ghost, what does the ghost wish Hamlet to do? Why do Horatio
and Marcellus try to stop Hamlet?
11. What does Marcellus state at the end of scene iv that encapsulates the very idea of the ghost of
the dead king being present?
12. What information does the ghost give to Hamlet? (be detailed)
13. What is Hamlet’s initial reaction to the ghost’s news?
14. What is Hamlet to do about his mother? Why?
15. What does Hamlet tell Horatio and Marcellus that he is going to “put on”? What is his
purpose?