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Full analysis and summary of Hamlet
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This document consists of a full analysis and summary of each Hamlet scene. The analysis includes past and potential questions with answers, and character analyses.
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HAMLET - summaryAct 1
Scene 1:
Plot:
● This scene takes place on the ramparts of the castle at Elsinore at midnight. The
guards on the night watch bring Horatio to show him the ghost that has appeared
twice before.
● The Presence of a ghost is unnatural, and contributes to the impression that all is
not well since the death of the previous king, Old Hamlet.
● The atmosphere is charged with suspicion and uncertainty.
Tension at the castle (lines 1-19):
● It is bitterly cold and it is midnight, “the witching hour”. The audience watching the
play is superstitious and is now interested.
● The sentries are anxious and Francisco challenges Bernardo whose duty it is to
challenge newcomers. This immediately creates tension.
● Note the irony of “Long live the king” (line 3). The entire play is concerned with
the status and legitimacy of the king.
● Francisco's remark “And I am sick at heart” (line 9) points to unease
and disquiet on his part. It is symptomatic of something wrong and
sinister. Repeating “Give you good night” (lines 17 and 19) emphasises
his nervousness. → piques audience's interest
● The language is simple, and statements are short. This reflects not only the
military character of the guards, but also their tension and anxiety as they await
the appearance of the Ghost. The rapid movements on and off the battlements
underpin the quickness of the language.
● Guards have asked Horatio to come witness him because he is educated.
The entrance of the ghost (lines 20-50):
● Audience:
○ Groundlings: Why is there a ghost? Afraid!
○ Aristocracy: Why is a late king not at rest?
● Most Elizabethans believed in ghosts. Ghosts were considered real, and were
taken seriously. not initiate conversation, and came from an eternal world.
● This Ghost is dressed in military armour and looks like Hamlet's father, but it
could well be a devil impersonating the dead king.
, ○ Wearing armour → figurative war, wearing same armour in which
he defeated the King of Norway, therefore there is now a new
enemy
○ Marcellus (line 66): “With martial stalk hath he gone by our
watch.” → body language suggesting he is going to war, the war
to reset the balance and “right the wrongs”. Ghost is ready for
revenge
Learn about the State of Denmark:
● Horatio give us a summary of what happened before this:
○ “When he the ambitious Norway combated” (line 61) → Old
Hamlet defeated and killed the King of Norway and Norway
forfeited certain lands to Denmark
○ Fortinbras is the son of the King of Norway and wants revenge: lost his
father and his inheritance (similarity to Hamlet)
○ “Sharked up a list of lawless resolutes...which is no other/But to
recover of us by strong hand/...those forsaid lands/So by his
father lost” (lines 98-104) → Fortinbras has indiscriminately
collected a gang of ruffians to recover the lost land (ruffians not
army as his country is not supporting him). He poses a threat to
Denmark and this is why Denmark is preparing for war
The second appearance of the Ghost (lines 126-175):
● We learn the following from this second appearance:
○ Horatio shows courage. He is prepared to confront the Ghost's path (“I'll
cross it” - line 127) even though he might be harmed. He is also referring
to crossing his arms which, forming a cross, would repel the spirit if it was
evil.
○ Marcellus believes that they wronged the Ghost by striking at it. Its
majestic appearance makes their blows malicious.
○ As the Ghost is about to speak, the cock crows. Daylight
approaching → traditionally, spirits can only walk the night. The
mood now changes from the horrible fears and anxieties of the
night to a discussion of Christian grace, and the freshness of a
new day.
○ Horatio is now convinced of the existence of the Ghost - his scepticism
has been overcome (“This present object made probation” line 156 - in
other words, provided proof).
The entire scene is geared towards two things:
● The occurrence of something unnatural in Denmark
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