Hamlet Act 1 Scene 1 Questions

1) How is interest created in the opening scene?

Interest is created in the opening scene when the soldiers start talking about the ghost haunting the halls.

2) What information are we given to help us understand the situation?

That Denmark is going to war with Norway over land that Norway lost; they want it back.

3) What happens at the end of the scene to create suspense and keep up the reader’s interest?

The ghost disappears and the soldiers think that the ghost is Hamlet's father.

4) What is the mood of the scene?

The mood of the scene is very serious and the soldiers question the ghost.

5) Why are the sentries apprehensive (there are two reasons)?

1. They are preparing for war with Norway

2. They are also seeing this ghost in armor roaming the hallways.

6) What reasons are suggested by Horatio for the appearance of the late King’s ghost?

Norway is about to go to war with Denmark to take back the land that the late King took from them during a duel.

7) Who are the characters present in the scene?

Three soldiers: Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo, and the ghost of the late King.

8) List one thing Horatio says about the former King?

Horatio says that the former King betted more than he had in the duel with Fortinbras (former King of Norway).

9) Who is young Fortinbras?

The nephew of the late King Fortinbras.

10) What does Horatio say happened in Rome after Julius Caesar was murdered?

Rome fell apart.

11) How does Horatio differ from Marcellus and Barnardo in scene 1?

Horatio seems to know what's going on whereas Marcellus and Barnardo don't really have any idea.

12) What is Horatio’s purpose in scene 1 (why is he present)?

Horatio's purpose is to inform the readers and the other soliders of what has happen so far and why.

13) What past history (Denmark’s history) is revealed in scene 1?

Denmark has won land from Norway and now Norway wants that land back.