Hamlet Essay On Act I Essay Research

Hamlet: Essay On Act I Essay, Research Paper

Hamlet: Essay On Act I

Act one of HAMLET is an excellent introductory act. Shakespeare

establishes atmosphere, by introducing the major characters, the role of the

supernatural, the revenge plot, the love plot, and the contrast of the

Fortinbras plot, as well as Hamlet’s fiegned madness. Through his unique

writing style, Shakespeare sets us up for the rest of the story, and captures

the reader’s attention, making him want read more.

Shakespeare establishes the atmosphere of the play, in scene I. The

scene takes place in Elsinore, on a platform before the castle. The atmosphere

is one of dark battlements, and nervous sentries, which catches the audiences

attention right away. As the bell tolls twelve on a frosty night, a silent

ghost of the late King Hamlet apperars twice. This provides one of the high

points of the scene, along with this, Shakespeare presents the reader with

information, regarding the military preparations in Denmark. All of this

provides for a dark, mysterious atmosphere, where the reader is wanting to know

more. Shakesperare continues to establish atmosphere in scene III. In this

scene, atmosphere of a diferent kind is created. This scene is a family scene,

in which brotherly, and fatherly advice creates an atmosphere quite different

from that of the appearance of the ghost and the problems of Hamlet and his

relatives. This creates an atmosphere of love, and betrayall, whereby Ophelia

is forced to obey her father Polonious, and is told to be careful with Hamlet,

as he is a prince, and will not look to marry just anyone, such as herself.

Shakespeare continues to develop atmosphere throughout the act, and uses the

atmosphere to introduce some of the characters in the play.

Shakespeare introduces some of the major characters in the play, and

leaves lasting impressions of each on the reader. Bernardo, and Francisco are

introduced in the first scene, as officers watching their posts, but it is

Horetio that leaves the greatest impression, as he is described as a well

educated scholar, and seems to have great importance to the development of the

play. In scene II, Claudious, the present King of Denmark is introduced. He is

the uncle of Hamlet, and just so happens to be masrried to Hamlet’s mother,

creating a definate first impression. Hamlet is aslo introduced, and the

impression perceived is one of a troubled individual, who is grieving his

father’s death, and is angry at his mother for marrying his uncle Claudious.

Ophelia, Hamlet’s girlfriend, and the daughter of Polonious is introduced in

scene III. She is described as a rather affectionate, but rather docile

individual. All throughout act one, Hamlet’s dead father’s ghost keeps

appearing, but does not speak until scene five, where it tells Hamlet to avenge

his death, and to kill his uncle Claudious. This describes Claudious’s

character, of a cold blooded murderer, and leaves a vivid picture of what the

ghost of King Hamlet, looks like, as a supernatural being. This ploy for

Hamlet to avenge his father’s wrongful death, leads into the idea of a revenge