Hamlet

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Act I, Scene i of Hamlet while following the study guide questions.

Activities:

• A. Use the following questions (and answers) to facilitate a discussion of Act I, Scene i of Hamlet.

  Act I, Scene i

  • 1. What tone does the first scene establish?

    The words and behavior of Bernardo and Francisco suggest tension and anxiety. Francisco seems uncomfortable with the loneliness and monotony. Some students might even get a sense of foreboding.

  • 2. What contrasts do you observe in the characters in this scene?

    Bernardo and Francisco seem to be simple soldiers, men from the common ranks. Horatio and Marcellus, however, seem to hold superior rank. Horatio, in particular, seems better educated and also familiar with Prince Hamlet, a degree of familiarity not accessible to a common soldier.

  • 3. Why is Horatio in this scene - from the point of view of the other characters? From the point of view of the playwright? How does Horatio interpret the appearance of the ghost?

    From the point of view of the other characters, Horatio is there to judge whether the others have indeed seen a ghost. As the intellectual [49] perhaps, as an officer, he has the authority to judge.

    From Shakespeare’s perspective, Horatio is probably there to help build suspense over the question of the identity of the apparition. His skepticism builds dramatic tension and points to the anxious and ominous tone of the opening scene.

    That Horatio concludes that they have indeed seen the ghost of King Hamlet - though he begins as a skeptic - helps to establish that truth in the minds of the audience.

  • 4. What exposition is provided concerning Fortinbras? Why?

    Fortinbras is the son of the King of Norway whose name was Fortinbras just as Hamlet and his father share the same name. Again, like Hamlet, Fortinbras’ father is dead. The fact that King Hamlet defeated King Fortinbras and thereby won territory from him provides a motive for Fortinbras to look with thoughts of revenge upon Denmark and explains why the Danes are preparing for war.

  • 5. What is the tone of Bernardo’s speech in lines 63-64?

    He takes an “I-told-you-so” attitude that expresses a sense of glad pride.

• B. If time permits, have volunteers take parts from Scene 2 and go to the front of the classroom to “perform” as much of that scene as they can in class.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Act I, Scene ii of Hamlet. Do the corresponding study questions.