Discussion Questions for Act One:
You can use these to start the discussion, or you can ask your own questions or comment on other features of the play.
1. What is "rotten in the state of Denmark", as Marcellus tells us? What do we learn about the situation in Scene 1? In Scene 2? Remember the difference between the public--political side of life and the private--family side of life as discussed in class.
2. In what ways is Scene 2 a contrast to Scene 1? what do we learn about Gertrude, Claudius, and Hamlet in this scene?
3. What is the function of the Polonius-Ophelia-Laertes family in this play? What parallels exist between their situation and that of the royal family?
4. What does Hamlet learn from the ghost's speech? How does he react?
Don't forget to also comment on someone else's reply to a different question than the one you answered.
As always, for each act, trace your character and their emotions throughout, and find several quotes to show their changing emotions in each act.
Hamlet learns that his father was actually murdered by his uncle Claudius. When the ghost asks for revenge, Hamlet's entire demeanor changes from that of a scared, and sad young man who is mourning his father's death, and who is also angry at his mother for her quick marriage, to a young man with a noble purpose which is to avenge his father's murder, and bring justice to Claudius. As for his emotional state in this act, he has gone from sad and depressed, to curious and scared, to vengeful and determined. I think he is most sane at the end of the act. He is still angry at his mother, though, and that could be a problem...
ReplyDeleteI would like to also add that the ghost of his father specifically said to leave Gertrude alone as Hamlet seeks justice. he says to let her live with the "thorns that pierce her breast", meaning her guilt. Hamlet does not seem to acknowledge this request, as his comments after the ghost leaves prove. He sees Gertrude as a traitor to his father, and the kingdom.
DeleteHamlets conversation with his father in ghost form reveals a shocking truth that Hamlet Sr. was actually murdered by his own brother and hamlets uncle Claudius. His father seeks revenge for his murder, which causes him to go from a boy in mourning to an angered and vengeful man. Even though he still despises his mother, the ghost tells Hamlet to leaver her alone and to let her suffer as she knows what she has done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this and how the ghost tells Hamlet to leave Gertrude alone because she will get what is coming to her. This shows that Hamlet is still loyal to his wife even after betraying him. He knows that the suffering that she is going through from gilt is worse than anything he can do to her in revenge.
DeleteI agree with your point that Hamlet transitions to an angered and vengeful man, and I think that this is important to setting Hamlet's attitude for the rest of the play.
DeleteI also think that it's important to note that hamlet doesnt change from his vengful man state back to his innocent boy state because he is rage filled and focused on exacting his revenge in a way that wont ruin his ticket to heaven
DeleteI agree as well because he just wanted to say anything just at least so they knew, the he knew about the actions they had chose to make.
DeleteAfter the ghost visits at first Hamlet is confused if he is from heaven or hell. But later finds out that the ghost is his dad and is seeking revenge for his murder. This gives Hamlet the intense feeling of hate towards his uncle. Now all he wants to do is avenge his father and kill his uncle
ReplyDeleteThis is an astute observation. I also believe the ghost is trapped in hell until he gets his revenge through his son Hamlet murdering or dethroning Claudias.
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DeleteWhile I understand that the ghost's purpose was to expose the rotten and corrupt atmosphere by telling Hamlet of his fathers death, but in doing so he has created even more tension. Now Hamlet has a hatred for both his mother and Claudius that is putting strain within that society. If the ghost hadn't said anything it is very possible that things would have continued as normal and may of even had an decent outcome without anymore tricks or malicious behavior.
Delete-Tyler Vinnola Block 5
When Marcellus says things are "rotten in the state of Denmark" he is referring to the poor behaviors of all the people of Denmark. They see the people partying in the room they are above through a window. Marcellus is also talking about the corruption of Hamlet not being the king even though he is deserving through blood. In scene 1 we learn that Hamlet should be king. In scene 2 we learn that Claudias killed Hamlets father.
ReplyDeleteAnother example of the poor behaviors in the city of Denmark is incest.
DeleteThe reason that marcellus says this and the reason that Denmark is on a downward spiral has all stemmed from Claudius becoming the king.
DeleteI agree with this, although I feel like the partying lifestyle is most recent. It started when Claudius became king.
DeleteMarcellus says that things are "rotten in the state of Denmark" because they are corrupt and diseased. The whole family marries people within, for example: Claudius killing is brother Hamlet and then marrying his wife Gertrude. Also the political system is seemed as weak because they are corrupt and are viewed as having a partying lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Denmark is at a diseased state and the unnatural order of events started once Claudius killed the King. The kingdom after King's death is portrayed as corrupt and unnatural.
DeleteI love this answer. If you show someone this answer before they read, I believe they will have a good grasp of what happens in Act I.
DeleteWhen hamlet is visited by the ghost of Hamlet Sr., Hamlet Jr. learns about how Claudius (Hamlet's Uncle) killed his father and married his mother. The ghost tells Hamlet to avenge his death by killing Claudius but he also tells him not to shame Gertrude because she already feels bad enough. Hamlet Sr. also makes sure that his son remembers him. Hamlet is very surprised by what he is told and swears to his father that he will do as he is told.
ReplyDeleteScene 2 is a contrast to Scene 1 in ways of light and dark. Scene 1 begins on a dark evening with a dark tone. Some of the characters experience a visitor and creates terror because they do not know who has come to visit them. In contrast scene 2 begins on a bright morning day with a light tone. The entire court of Denmark is present and Claudius and Gertrude announce their marriage.
ReplyDeleteAlso in scene 1 Hamlet wanted to kill himslef, but in scene 2 he wanted revenge on his uncle.
DeleteThe Rotten stench in Denmark is a direct correlation to the lying, manipulation, and scandals that are going on during this time. Most distinctively we have the murder of the old Hamlet by Claudius, but there is also the tension between Hamlet and his mother as well as Ophelia. However the "rotten stench" that is depicted within the text does not really show its true nature until the ghost begins appear telling Hamlet of all of these wrong doings. In many ways the ghost himself is a symbol of all of the wrong doings.
ReplyDelete-Tyler Vinnola Block 5
I agree with this fully. As for the political and or emotional rotting, the trouble between Hamlet and Claudius fosters the stench that is taking over Denmark. However, the physical stench directly correlates with the state King Hamlet was left in. After being poisoned, the king's body literally begins do decay and then soon rot. The physical rotting and the emotional rotting combine to show the true state Denmark is in.
DeleteWell said! Denmark is in this horrible state where they are completely vulnerable to anything due to the new king. Also, with all that is happening inside the castle, like the marriage of Gertrude and Claudius, and Claudius murdering Old Hamlet Denmark is quite literally and figuratively rotting.
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ReplyDeleteWhat new information of point of view is gained through Hamlet's soliloquy in act 1? How does it change the previous view of Hamlet?
ReplyDelete-Bridgett Woodward
Hamlet learns from the ghost's speech that his father was poisoned by Claudius, his uncle, and his father wants Hamlet to get revenge on Claudius. Hamlet becomes more upset and angry with his mother and uncle. Hamlet is furious because his mother jumped right into a marriage with his murderous uncle. The ghost told Hamlet to not be upset with his mother and to let her face her consequences for her deeds when she dies, unfortunately Hamlet forgets that part of the ghost's speech.
ReplyDeleteI don't know exactly if Hamlet forgot the part about leaving his mother alone or he just flat out ignores it. But I think it would be hard for any child to not be mad at their mother for moving on so quickly and he expecting her child to move on so quickly like she did.
DeleteFrom the ghost's speech, Hamlet learns that Claudius poisoned his father and that Claudius is the main source of his father's death and the corrupt reality. The ghose explains his death and tells Hamlet to leave his mother alone since she will face her consequences later when she dies. However, after Hamlet finds out the true cause of his father's death, his anger makes him seek for revenge and nothing else.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Hamlet's main goal is to seek revenge and nothing else. Maybe his goals or motivations will change after a while.
DeleteWhen Hamlet speaks to his father in ghost form, he learns that his father was poisoned by Claudius, Hamlet's uncle who is the new king. Hamlet's father explains that he wants revenge on Claudius. Throughout this conversation, Hamlet becomes more and more angry with Claudius and his mother, who married Claudius immediately after the kings death.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you are saying. I also think it is important to address that the ghost specifically tells Hamlet to leave his mother alone but Hamlet seems to ignore the request because he is so taken by the need for revenge.
DeleteWhen Hamlet talks to the ghost he learns that his uncle murdered his father by poisoning him so hat he could become King. When the ghost tells him this he also tells Hamlet to take revenge on his uncle but to leave his mother alone. However, Hamlet's reaction is one of such anger and such vengefulness that it makes it seem like all he wants is revenge and it will blur his judgement and might lead to him harming his mother as well as his father.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely sounds like good foreshadowing in Hamlet harming his mother Gertrude since in Hamlets monologue in act one scene 5 he shows huge amount of resentment for his mother after the ghost delivers him such news that he calls her an adulterous, cowardly, and evil. A clear sign that such warnings of Gertrude possible harm may be an outcome in this tragedy.
DeleteThe sharp contrast's in scene one compared to scene two for starters was the sharp contrast from a scene taking place from entirely to the night to day and night in scene two. Another is that the ghost appeared but had refused to talk to Marcellus, Horatio and Barnardo but talked to Hamlet. Another difference were the attitudes of all the guards for they seemed to be frightened to death of the ghost in the second scene but they had tried to make contact with it in the first scene. What is revealed about Claudius is that he had killed his brother for power and married his brothers sister quite quickly after his death also many regard him as a drunk and bit foolish. Gertrude character is seen to be solely concerned on maintaining her position of authority as queen. Finally, Hamlet is very depressed as he is seen without purpose while contemplating suicide and conflicting with christian and pagan beliefs. Then after his little conversation with the ghost he is filled with determination and purpose once more to revenge his murdered father.
ReplyDeleteHamlet is made aware of his father's death when he has that conversation with the ghost. The ghost that is believed to be his father tells Hamlet the truth about how he was murdered by being poisoned by his brother, or Hamlet's uncle. The ghost also told Hamlet to leave his mother Gertrude alone and let her feel bad and something will happen to her for what she has done. This conversation with the ghost leaves Hamlet angry and wanting revenge on his uncle for killing his father and still mad at his mother for every choice she has made.
ReplyDeleteVery well said Sam.
DeleteWhen Hamlet is confronted with the ghost of his father he listens to its speech and discovers that the new king, his uncle Claudius has murdered his father in cold blood. Upon hearing this he immediately decides to take his revenge as swiftly as possible, not only for the murder but also the incestual actions the king took upon hamlet's mother.
ReplyDeleteHe is also told to leave his mother alone and while doing so something will eventually catch up and a bad thing will happen. He also has a reaction to what is going on mainly he doesn't know what is happening because he is in a state of just shock and awe
DeleteHamlet learns that his father was murderd by his uncle for the throne. He also learns that his dad did not go to heaven because he was not able to get forgivness for his sins.
ReplyDeleteThe ghost also tells hamlet to avenge his death during this scene and to leave his mother to rot in her own despair.
DeleteThe ghost informs Hamlet that his stepfather had poured poison into his father (old Hamlet's) ear, which is why he died. What Hamlet also assumed was that his mother was in on this scheme as well. He then goes crazy trying to get proof that this is in fact the case, but unfortunately kills someone who didn't deserve to die.
ReplyDelete(What does Hamlet learn from the ghost's speech? How does he react?) Hamlet reacts to the visit from his father in a few ways. At first, he's very shocked and completely overthinks how/why his father is visiting him. Then he gets very angry and upset because he figures out his mother slept with his uncle before Old Hamlet died. This is where he plans on killing his father uncle.
ReplyDelete(What does Hamlet learn from the ghost's speech? How does he react?) Hamlet reacts as we all would. Shocked and in awe on how he is seeing his father again after his death. Another big realization Hamlet has is he now knows of an afterlife beyond just this. He learns that there is after all an afterlife
ReplyDeleteAlso that it had been a huge secret that had been hidden from him for so long and his uncle and mom let him down. Was like he didn't know what to think anymore.
Delete(What does Hamlet learn from the ghost's speech? How does he react?) Hamlet reacts as we all would. Shocked and in awe on how he is seeing his father again after his death. Another big realization Hamlet has is he now knows of an afterlife beyond just this. He learns that there is after all an afterlife
ReplyDeleteWhen the ghost of king Hamlet delivers the speech to Hamlet, he brings confusing news that puzzle Hamlet throughout the act. At first, Hamlet is completely disorientated and he ponders whether the ghost is his sent from heaven or an evil spirit. He expresses his fear when he says, "Thou com'st in such a questionable shape".(1.4,48). However, after he realizes that the ghost is the ghost of his father and that he has important information, Hamlet allows the ghost to explain himself. The ghost informs Hamlet that his dad's death was caused by his own brother; Claudius. More importantly though, the importance of the ghost appearance is that the ghost sparks emotions such as revenge, that trigger Hamlets anger. Thanks to this, Hamlet's main purpose is to seek revenge at all cost, even if it means the murder of his uncle.
ReplyDeleteKing Hamlet's ghost delivers an unsettling message to his son that his death was no coincidence, but instead was the result of foul play. The ghost asks of Hamlet to avenge his death by taking vengeance upon his father's murderer, king Claudius. He also mentions that he had not confessed his sins before his death, and was therefore sentenced to eternal damnation. By day he is confined in hell and at night doomed to walk the earth lifeless. The message was brief because the ghost had to return to his confinement, but left with his final words to Hamlet being, "Remember me."
ReplyDeleteThe Polonius-Ophelia-Laertes family in this play are more like a shadow of Hamlet and his Family as the play goes on.The reason they are really there is because they are in a way loyal servants to Hamlet's family but they are important enough to be kept in the text for another reason. They live under different conditions but their life timeline's tend to be similar at some points. Hamlet's family, of course is in the upper class and has no problem with using their power while on the other hand the Polonius-Ophelia-Laertes family is more middle/lower class and they don't have as much power to be influential. Hamlet, like Laeretes, wanted to continue his studies abroad but had his request rejected by Claudius. Ophelia, like Gertrude, loves her family and is affected by the choices they make affect them. Polonius and Claudius both want to have power over everyone else and when they are challenged by Hamlet, they both want to find a way to get him away from them. So I think that the Polonius-Ophelia-Laertes family is there to help keep the Hamlet family in check as well as serve as another set of characters.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting point of view. However, makes complete sense and was very well put.
DeleteHamlet learns that Claudius his uncle murdered his dad so that he can have the heir to the thrown and Claudius slept with his mom. He is also told by the ghost to get revenge and murder Claudius but to leave his mother alone. He reacts by most of the time not knowing what is going just confused, in shock and in awe.
ReplyDeleteHamlet learns the his Uncle had killed his father and that his mother knew that it had happened and she spoke nothing of it. That her marriage was meaningless that she didn't even happen to care that the love of her life had been killed. Hamlet wanted revenge and he wanted to get it so bad but the ghost told him to keep his mother out of it.
ReplyDeleteHe only learns that his uncle killed his father his mother being apart of it was what he thought happened because she married his uncle so fast after his fathers death.
DeleteWhen hamlet learns from the speech that had been given by the ghost, which was that his uncle and his mother had slept together while she had been with married, and that his uncle had killed his father and Hamlet had been furious. he wanted to do any and everything to let them be punished for their horrible actions.
ReplyDeleteHamlet learns from the ghost that Claudius killed his father and that his father was killed without getting the chance to repent his sins so his father is in hell. He is also told to get revenge for his father and kill Claudius before before he gets the chance to repent but to leave his mother alone and let her live with her guilt. He starts off being shocked then gets himself together to go talk to the ghost.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important to remember Old Hamlet was not able to repent. This would have cause him to go to hell for not being able to confess his sins.
DeleteWhen hamlet finds out that claudius his dad's brother killed his dad he is very sorrowful and in great mourning. But his mom quickly marries claudius after this happening making his furious and mad at the world, Claudius, and his mother. He's scared because of no after life but then he soon finds out there is one. -Cody
ReplyDeleteBeyond anger at Claudius and Gertrude, Hamlet feels ashamed that his mother is so easy.
DeleteBeyond anger at Claudius and Gertrude, Hamlet feels ashamed that his mother is so easy.
DeleteWhen Hamlet firsts sees the ghost, the ghost exclaims to him that he is his father spirit and has come for revenge. Hamlet learns that his father was peacefully asleep in the garden when his uncle Claudius poured poison into the king's ear. He also learns that Old Hamlet has come back to get revenge. He was not able to go to heaven because he did not have to opportunity to confess all of his sins. Hamlet's reaction to all this news is divesting, he is angry. However his father tells him not to harm his mother. As the ghost disappears Hamlet obeys his orders.
ReplyDeleteThe ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius has murdered him and that Hamlet should take revenge against Claudius. Hamlet agrees to do this for the ghost and enrage that Claudius would do this. The ghost reminds Hamlet to not take revenge on his mother because she already feels guilty about her actions. Hamlet agrees to all of this but later on wonders how honest the ghost is. Hamlet claims there is a possibility that the ghost of his father could have been the devil in disguise.
ReplyDelete#3 Gabriel Cruz
ReplyDeleteThe Polonius/Laratese/Ophilia family is there to be the royal playthings, Polonius fallows the kings orders without question, Laratese is only there to contrast Hamlet, and Ophilia is Hamlets love interest, outside of dying for the royal family they do nothing.