English 12R
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Act 1 Study Guide
Plot Summary:
Scene 1
Barnardo and Marcellus, guards keeping watch over Elsinore, ask Horatio to join them on
their watch because they have seen something unusual the last two nights. A Ghost appears
and the men try to question it, but the Ghost does not respond. The Ghost is wearing battle
armor and resembles the late King Hamlet exactly. The men are unsure of what the Ghost’s
presence indicates, but they know it must foreshadow something bad to come for the state
of Denmark. They decide to tell young Hamlet, certain that the Ghost will talk to him.
Scene 2
While addressing members of his Court, King Claudius discusses King Hamlet’s death, the
political unrest between Denmark and Norway, and his new status as King. He mentions
that young Fortinbras is raising a militia of “lawless resolutes” in order to avenge his
father’s death and take back his kingdom. King Claudius and Queen Gertude express their
concern and disapproval of young Hamlet’s melancholy countenance, reminding him that
death is a natural part of life and calling him “unmanly”. Hamlet is distraught and disturbed
by his mother and uncle’s hasty marriage and expresses his disdain for life through his first
soliloquy (1.1 lines 133-164). The scene ends with Horatio telling Hamlet about the
appearance of the Ghost and Hamlet deciding to go see him.
Scene 3
As Laertes prepares to leave for France, he gives Ophelia advice about her new relationship
with Prince Hamlet. He warns her that Hamlet’s feelings for her are fleeting and lustful, and
that nothing good can come of their relationship because of his status as Prince and hers as
a normal citizen. Ophelia, being young and naïve, agrees to heed her brother’s advice and
stay away from Hamlet. Polonius enters, giving Laertes some last minute advice about his
behavior and the fact that his reputation is at stake while he is away in France. Polonius
seems to be giving him helpful fatherly advice, but it also becomes clear that Polonius has
ulterior motives. After Laertes leaves, Polonius echoes his son’s sentiments about Ophelia’s
relationship with Hamlet. Polonius tells her that she is impressionable and foolish, and that
Hamlet’s lust will leave their family name tarnished if Ophelia responds to his courtship.
Scene 4
Hamlet joins Horatio and Marcellus for the watch in hopes of seeing the Ghost. Hamlet
mentions Claudius’ dishonorable behavior, saying that other countries see the King as a
fool and a drunk. The Ghost appears and beckons Hamlet to follow him. Hamlet,
recognizing the Ghost as the image of his father, complies. Marcellus confirms that the
Ghost’s behavior indicates something “rotten” and terribly wrong in Denmark.
Scene 5
In the final scene of the act, the Ghost reveals the Hamlet the truth about his (the King’s)
death. While the public believes King Hamlet had been bitten by a snake, the Ghost tells
Prince Hamlet that he in fact was poisoned and it was a murder “most foul.” The Ghost calls
upon Hamlet, asking his son to avenge his death. He asks Hamlet to forgive his mother and
blames Claudius for seducing Gertrude. Hamlet laments the tragedy and deception that
have taken over his family and swears to get revenge. When Horatio and Marcellus come
upon Hamlet, he makes them swear that they will never speak of what they’ve seen. He also
warns them that his behavior might seem unusual in the future, but that their loyalty must
lie with him no matter what.
Vocabulary:
1. Apparition (1.1 33, 1.2 221) an appearance, especially one that is remarkable or
unexpected
2. Impotent (1.2 29) helpless, powerless, ineffective
3. Visage (1.2 84) image, facial features or expression, countenance
4. Retrograde (1.2 118) moving backward, contrary to
5. Obsequious (1.2 96) dutiful, obedient
6. Truant (1.2 176) one who neglects their duties
7. Circumscribe (1.3 25) to encompass or encircle
8. Calumnious (1.3 42) something slanderous
9. Dalliance (1.3 54) idle or frivolous action
10. Importuned (1.3 119) to be troubled or burdened, to be solicited
11. Sanctified (1.3 139) made holy or saintly
12. Canonized (1.4 52) sainted, made holy, consecrated
13. Lewdness (1.5 61) ignorance, lack of skill or knowledge, wickedness, lasciviousness
14. Enmity (1.5 72) hatred
15. Pernicious (1.5 112) harmful, ruinous, insidious
Practice Word Search
Review Questions:
Scene 1
A. Why are there guards on duty? What are the people of Denmark being threatened by?
B. What action is young Fortinbras taking to avenge his father’s death?
Scene 2
A. Why does Claudius grant Laertes permission to return to France but ask Hamlet not to
return to Wittenburg?
B. How do Claudius and Gertrude react to Hamlet’s grief? What is their advice to him?
C. How does Hamlet learn about the Ghost? What does he decide to do?
Scene 3
A. Why are Ophelia’s brother and father against her dating Hamlet?
B. What is Polonius’ advice to Laertes? What are his motives?
Scene 4
A. Why are the members of the Court celebrating? How does Hamlet feel about their
revelry?
B. Who says “something is rotten in the state of Denmark”? What is this in reference to?
Scene 5
A. What does the Ghost tell Hamlet about how the King died?
B. How does the Ghost want Hamlet to treat his mother even after knowing the truth?
C. What action does the Ghost want Hamlet to take?
D. What are Horatio and Marcellus asked to “swear”?