hamlet act 1 essay questions

by William Shakespeare

Hamlet essay questions.

Hamlet is widely hailed as the first modern play in the English language. Which characteristics of its central character might account for this label?

Hamlet is considered the first modern play partly because of the psychological depth of its main character -- Hamlet suffers from melancholy, self-doubt, and even delusions. The audience never quite knows what Hamlet is thinking, or what is real. In fact, Hamlet himself declares again and again that he doesn't understand his doubts either ("I have of late, but wherefore I know not , lost all my mirth.")

Death is a constant presence in this play. Does Hamlet's speech to Yorick's skull represent a philosophy of death? How does his attitude toward death differ from that of the gravediggers?

Death was a much more ordinary presence in Elizabethan England than it is in the modern world. Infant mortality was high and plagues swept whole nations. In this sense, the gravediggers exhibit a much more realistic approach to death than most people. Hamlet uses the occasion for a more general examination of mortality. His attitude toward death is not necessarily inconsistent with that of the gravediggers, but it is different in his emphasis on metaphysical rather than physical implications of death.

Does the text hold up to a Freudian reading of Hamlet's relationship with his mother? How does Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia support, complicate or work against an Oedipal interpretation of the play?

Certainly Hamlet does visit his mother's bedchamber, and is immensely interested in her sexual relationships with other men, both of which are classic elements of an Oedipal complex. Freud's reading of the play may have influenced his sexual theories—but it is important to remember the order of events, especially because scholars tend to label Hamlet "Freudian." Better stated, Freud is Shakespearean, not the other way around.

"To be or not to be" is the famous question that Hamlet poses in Act Three, Scene One. Explore this speech. What does he mean by this famous question? What events of the play prompt this speech?

Hamlet is musing about death, but whose death, or what kind of death, is frustratingly difficult to pin down. He is perhaps contemplating suicide, perhaps thinking about the risks he must run in order to fulfill the task of revenge. He has an audience of Ophelia, Polonius and Claudius, who are eavesdropping on him; but he most likely does not realize that they are present.

The play within a play, the long soliloquies wherein Hamlet faces the audience and speaks to them directly, the vivid discussions of whether or not Hamlet is "acting" mad -- there are many elements of Hamlet that call attention to its status as a play, rather than reality. By showing the trappings of theater and non-reality, does Shakespeare make Hamlet's suffering seem more acute or more distant? How?

"Life's but a stage," another Shakespearean character proclaims, and the playwright recognized quite well the dramatic trappings of life and the life-like elements of staged productions. Soliloquies are modern in that they break what is much later termed the "fourth wall" separating audience from stage; the character speaks directly to the audience. Although the whole atmosphere seems patently false and theatrical, this serves to draw Hamlet somehow closer. Somehow, the effect of such "metatheatrical" gestures is to show not how different acting is from life, but how similar life is to acting.

In terms of the usual categorizations, Shakespeare's tragedies end in death, his comedies in marriage. By this measure, Hamlet is a tragedy. But Shakespeare's best plays are a tragicomic mix. Choose and discuss two comical or farcical elements in Hamlet.

The scene with gravediggers is a good example of tragedy mixed with comedy. The work is morbid, but the workers joke and sing as they go about their business. They seem totally unaware of the majestic tragedy unfolding itself in the castle nearby. On a smaller level, Yorick's skull embodies the tragicomic dichotomy; it is a gruesome, deathly object that once belonged to a joker. There are several other comic scenes, including much of Hamlet's dialogue with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and most of Polonius' scenes before his death. This gruesome mixture of pathos and humor is the essence of Shakespearean theater.

Define revenge. Is Hamlet a traditional revenge play? What other forces are at work in Hamlet's psyche?

Revenge is traditionally the cold-blooded pursuit to make up for one hurt with a strike against its perpetrator. Revenge is usually violent. Hamlet is hardly a traditional play of revenge, because the main character is so uncertain and ambivalent about both the original strike and what he should do about it. Melancholy and uncertainty play just as large a role in Hamlet's character as the desire for revenge.

Discuss the setting of Hamlet. What effect does setting the psycho-drama in a bleak northern castle -- similar to that in Macbeth -- have on the characters and audience?

From the script, the audience gathers that Elsinore Castle is a remote place in northern Europe. Not much else is known: there were no sets in Shakespeare's time. But the setting certainly matches Hamlet's melancholy mood, and the isolation of the place helps make the violence and implied incest believable.

The play begins with the fantastical appearance of a ghost. Are we meant to believe that this is really Hamlet's father, or is he a figment of Hamlet's imagination? If he is imagined, is the rest of the play imagined as well?

Hamlet struggles with the question of whether the ghost is his father and decides that he must be who he says he is. The audience remains in doubt, however, because of the ghost's claim that he comes from Purgatory (blasphemous in Elizabethan England), and the fact that Gertrude is unable to see it when it appears to Hamlet in her chamber. One of the moral questions of the play is resolved, however, when it becomes clear that Claudius is a murderer. Whether the ghost is Old Hamlet or a demon, he has told the truth about Claudius' guilt.

Can a healthy state be presided over by a corrupt ruler? Shakespeare draws frequent comparisons between the moral legitimacy of a leader and the health of a state. Is Denmark's monarchy responsible for the demise of the state in this play?

At the end of the tragedy, it is not only Hamlet and most of the characters who die. The entire state of Denmark fails after Norway invades, and the health of the nation seems very much wrapped up with the moral state of the leader. This accords with the medieval idea of the "body politic" with the leader making up the head, literally, and the people the body of a personified state.

Hamlet Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Hamlet is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Closely examine Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy on page 137 (lines 57-91). Summarize the arguments he is contemplating in this speech.

What act and scene are you referring to?

Describe Fortinbras based on what Horatio says.

Do you mean in Act 1? Based upon Horatio's description, young Fortinbras is bold, inexperienced, and willing to do anything to regain his father's lost lands.

Why is a clock mentioned in Hamlet. There weren’t any clock’s in Hanlet’s time.

Yes I've heard this question before. This is called an anachronism. It is an inconsistency in some chronological arrangement. In this case, there were clocks in Shakespeare’s time but not in Hamlet's. Shakespeare wrote it in because he thought it...

Study Guide for Hamlet

Hamlet study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Hamlet
• Hamlet Summary
• Hamlet Video
• Character List

Essays for Hamlet

Hamlet essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

• Through Rose Colored Glasses: How the Victorian Age Shifted the Focus of Hamlet
• Q to F7: Mate; Hamlet's Emotions, Actions, and Importance in the Nunnery Scene
• Before the Storm
• Haunted: Hamlet's Relationship With His Dead Father
• Heliocentric Hamlet: The Astronomy of Hamlet

Lesson Plan for Hamlet

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Hamlet
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Hamlet Bibliography

E-Text of Hamlet

The Hamlet e-text contains the full text of the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

• List of Characters

Wikipedia Entries for Hamlet

• Introduction

107 Exceptional Hamlet Essay Topics: Questions & Prompts

Every academic paper starts with a captivating idea, and Hamlet research paper or essay shouldn’t be an exception. In the list below, our team has collected unique and inspiring topics for you. You can use them in your writing or develop your own idea according to the format.

Here are some Hamlet essay topics for you:

• Elaborate on the weather in Denmark. How does it reflect the state of affairs and mood in the country? How does it change throughout the play? Start this Hamlet essay by describing the foggy weather in the first scene and gradually provide more examples as evidence.
• Think of irony in Hamlet . How and for what purposes did Shakespeare incorporate it in the play? Provide examples of the lines and situations that can be considered ironic.
• Reflect on Gertrude’s marriages. Why did she marry Claudius? Did they have an affair when King Hamlet was alive? Or did she agree on the new marriage to help the country?
• Compare and contrast Claudius and King Oedipus from Oedipus the King . What character traits do they share? Who is a better politician? Why?
• Explain whether you think Gertrude is on Hamlet’s or Claudius’ side. Did she switch the side by the end of the play? Analyze her conversation with Hamlet and how she later told Claudius that Hamlet was mad. Why did she drink the suspicious (poisoned) wine?
• Analyze the fact that dying Hamlet asked Horatio to spread his story. Will Horatio retell it without changes? Can he tell the truth about what happened at all?
• Examine an approach to violence in Hamlet . Are violence and aggression excessive in the play? How do characters react to it? Comment on how violence is mainly linked to vengeance.
• Consider the Ghost of Old Hamlet and all his appearances in Hamlet . Who saw him? Who do you think can see him? In your Hamlet essay, analyze every scene where he occurred and elaborate on why he did so.
• Talk about the relationship between Gertrude and Old Hamlet. Analyze what we know about their marriage and her reaction to her husband’s death. Did Gertrude see the Ghost in the scene with Hamlet? Could she have pretended that she didn’t?
• If Hamlet had survived, would he have been a good king? Analyze his strengths and weaknesses concerning the matter. Did he prove to be a good leader or politician in the play? Consider that Fortinbras explicitly stated that Hamlet could’ve become a good ruler.
• Elaborate on the way Hamlet killed Polonius in act 3, scene 4. Why did Hamlet act so quickly and calmly when he hesitates to kill his enemy, Claudius? Was this murder intentional? Did Hamlet regret it or freak out about it?
• Explore Hamlet’s mental state. How did grief affect him? His depression and suicidal tendencies are apparent. How do they change throughout the play?
• Compare Hamlet’s attitude towards the only women in the play, Ophelia and Gertrude. Why does he shame both of them for their sexual relationships? Examine his dialogues with his mother and his (ex)girlfriend, where he expresses cruelty. Elaborate on how his mother’s remarriage affected his relationships with the women.
• Examine the madness that Hamlet may or may not obtain. Thanks to his dialogue with Horatio, we know that he fakes his insanity. But could it have changed by the end of the play? What could’ve caused it? Analyze the evidence of his abnormal behavior and whether you can consider it natural, not acted.
• Analyze how Hamlet reflects on suicide. Provide examples from the soliloquies where Hamlet presumably tells the truth about his feelings. He considers suicide as an option, way out of the situation. Why doesn’t he commit it? Or was his death close to suicide?
• Consider whether the Ghost exists or not. A few people have seen him, but may it have been a case of mass hysteria? Hamlet may have gone mad over the death of his father and his mother’s remarriage. What if he imagined his dialogues with deceased King Hamlet? Provide evidence for that opinion or refute it.
• Elaborate on Hamlet’s trust issues. He suspects everyone from the start except for one person. Why does Hamlet trust Horatio? Analyze how the prince never lies during their conversations, even when the truth is a little insane. Why does Horatio believe everything he says?
• Examine friendship in Hamlet . Most of the relationships in the play are based on manipulation and benefit. Who can you see as friends in Hamlet ? Reflect on whether Hamlet values his friendship with Horatio. What can you say about Hamlet’s friends from childhood?
• Analyze the literary period during which Shakespeare came up with Hamlet . What features of the Elizabethan era does he illustrate in the play? Examplify various scenes and dialogues to prove your point.
• Consider prominent theatrical productions of Hamlet . How did they change over the centuries? What does modern theatre do that the Medieval one could not? Did theatrical performances evolve?
• Compare and contrast the original play and Lion King by Disney corporation. What are the key differences that were made in the cartoon? Why did Disney decide to come up with them? Analyze which version do you like more and why.
• Comment on the theme of death and mortality What events and objects made Hamlet obsessed with death? Elaborate on the role that religion plays in his considerations concerning the matter.
• Examine Claudius’ soliloquy . What’s its role in the play? What’s the crucial idea of his speech? Elaborate on the reasons why Claudius, the villain, has a soliloquy in Hamlet .
• Analyze all the symbols of death in the play What symbols from Hamlet refer to mortality? Speculate whether you can call fences, poison, unweeded gardens, flowers, and so on a symbol of death.
• Explore the conflicts of Hamlet . The play combines inner and outer conflicts, which are addressed mainly through Hamlet’s monologues. List the fundamental oppositions and lines that exemplify them.
• Reflect on Hamlet’s relationship with Gertrude Why is he upset with her? How does it affect his actions and opinion about all the women? Does Gertrude love her son?
• Analyze the setting of the play. Does the fact that Hamlet takes place in Denmark play any crucial role? Speculate why Shakespeare may have decided upon this country and support your opinion with evidence.
• Elaborate on Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia. Does the prince consider her significant? Does he care about her? Compare how he treated Ophelia before and after her death.
• Comment on Hamlet’s religious beliefs Does religion have an impact on the prince’s decisions? Why is Hamlet considered a protestant? Prove your point by providing evidence from the play.
• Reflect on the theme of revenge Why does everyone value revenge in the play? Why do people passionately seek it in the society presented in Hamlet ? Elaborate on what impact it has on the characters’ motivations and decisions.
• Consider the language of Hamlet . Explain that Shakespeare’s play is well-known for its rich language and broad vocabulary. He composed a few characters who pay close attention to the words they say and hear. Why is language crucial for Hamlet?
• Examine Fortinbras. Who is he? Why is he a character foil for Hamlet? Analyze why he succeeded in everything he did and even became the king of Denmark.
• Analyze imagery and descriptions in the play. How does Shakespeare enhance each scene by alternating descriptions of the weather and nature? Provide examples of prominent images presented in the play and elaborate on their purpose.
• Compare Hamlet to Oedipus Rex . What do the characters of the famous plays have in common? Do they have a similar goal? Elaborate on how their character traits affect the endings of the respective plays.
• Explore the deception in Hamlet . What things and events are built on lies? Why and how do characters try to manipulate each other throughout the whole play?
• Elaborate on the imagery of rot and diseases How do unweeded gardens reflect the state of affairs? Explain how ill atmosphere foreshadows and represents problems caused by the actions of the royal court’s members.
• Comment on the role of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in the play. Speculate whether they are simply comic relief characters or they have another purpose in Hamlet . Why did Shakespeare decide that he needed such characters in the play?
• Analyze Gertrude’s attitude towards Ophelia. Elaborate on the scenes where Gertrude communicates with Ophelia and mentions her. What does the queen think of her and her relationships with Hamlet? How does Gertrude comments on Ophelia’s death?
• Compare Hamlet’s and Horatio’s character traits. In what ways are they different and similar? What Horatio’s qualities Hamlet explicitly admires and lacks?
• Speculate on Shakespeare’s opinion about theatre. Examine a few references to the English stage of the Elizabethan era that the author put in the play in Act 2. How does he comment on the theatre of his own time through Hamlet’s lines of dialogue?
• Explore the relationships between Hamlet and Claudius. Why does Hamlet suspect his uncle from the start? Does Claudius think of Hamlet as dangerous? When does he become highly aware of his nephew’s capabilities?
• Consider the death of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. When and how did they die? Why does a reader find out about it after the deaths of the royal family members? Speculate on the reasons why it was structured to be so anticlimactic. Why did W. S. Gilbert write a short comic play about them?
• Analyze the reception and comprehension of Hamlet . Why is it one of the most popular Shakespeare’s plays even today? Is it still relevant? Explain why nowadays our understanding of the play differs from the one from the writer’s era.
• Comment on the appearance vs. reality in Hamlet . Why do so many characters pretend to have another personality or obtain character traits that they don’t have? Why does Hamlet see through the pretense?
• Elaborate on Ophelia’s death . Was it a suicide, how gravediggers presumed, or an accident, as Gertrude claimed? Explain in your Hamlet essay the reasons for Ophelia to commit suicide. Did she have a choice?
• Reflect on political corruption. What characters represent corrupted politicians in the play? How do they manipulate public opinion?
• Analyze one movie adaptation of Hamlet . Write about the changes that were made in the film version. What differences from the play did you like? What changes were you surprised to see?
• Examine the political situation in the play. What war did Fortinbras lead? Why? How does it affect Denmark during the play and after it’s the last scene?
• Explore the role of women in Hamlet . The play presents the social norms that were relevant for people of this period. What parts of women’s lives did men explicitly control? Provide examples from the play.
• Compare Laertes and Hamlet . Laertes is known as Hamlet’s character foil. Examine similarities and differences in their character traits.
• Consider the doubt and indecisiveness of Hamlet . Why are such traits uncommon for the genre? What do they say about the prince as a character? Explain how these qualities affect the plot and Hamlet’s thought process.
• Elaborate on the symbolism in the play. Finding symbolism can be challenging as the interpretations differ. Some individuals consider particular objects as symbols, while others don’t. What do you view as examples of symbolism in the play? Why? What role do they play in understanding the story?
• Reflect on the Oedipus complex. Comment on whether Hamlet has it or not. Provide evidence from the play, especially from the scene with Gertrude, to prove your point. How can this idea be approached on the stage? Find examples of theatrical productions where Hamlet and Gertrude had a conversation in her closet.
• Compare and contrast Claudius and Polonius. What character traits do they have in common? Explain how they are not who they are trying to appear. Who is better at lying and manipulating others? Why?
• Examine how revenge affected characters in Hamlet . Three characters wish to avenge their fathers: Laertes, Hamlet, and Fortinbras. How does revenge affect their lives? Who succeeded in getting their revenge?
• Consider the family theme. What role does family play for various characters? Elaborate on how blood ties motivate multiple characters.
• Reflect on Yorick’s role in the play. Who was Yorick? What impact did he have on Hamlet during the prince’s childhood and present time? Elaborate on how Yorick led Hamlet to his last soliloquy.
• Analyze the religious conflict of the play. How did events from Shakespeare’s time affect the theme of religion? Explain how Hamlet presents the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism through the prince and King Hamlet.
• Comment on the theme of madness. Who went mad in the play? Compare Hamlet’s and Laerte’s insanity to Ophelia’s one. How was her madness different from the other examples?
• Explore Polonius’ character. What was Polonius’ motivation throughout the play? Whom did he manipulate, and why? Explain why he tried to appear a good person and a parent.
• Elaborate on the reasons why Hamlet is the protagonist of the story. What makes him a tragic hero? Why is he considered a good person after every crime he committed and every cruel thing he said to his mother and Ophelia?
• Think of the conflict of good and evil. What imagery is associated with each of them in the play? Does evil spread like a disease?
• Explain how Hamlet differs from other plays of Shakespeare’s time . What new features and connections within the story did the writer present? How did Shakespeare make characters contribute to the plot?
• Analyze the “To be or not to be” speech. It’s one of the most famous lines in history, but what meaning is behind it? Elaborate on the circumstances around the monologue and whether Hamlet is partially lying.
• Reflect on performances of Hamlet. Choose a couple of performances on the stage or in a movie and compare them. Whose version of the character you prefer and why?
• Elaborate on the movie Ophelia (2018). What’s intriguing about a story told from Ophelia’s point of view? Exemplify the differences from the original play and how the change of perspective affected the story.
• Explore Hamlet’s obsession with inaction and action . What stops Hamlet from acting decisively? Exemplify situations from the play when characters act quickly, without any doubt compared to Hamlet’s almost constant hesitance.
• Compare Hamlet and King Lear. What similar character traits have an impact on the respective plays? Can we call the prince and the king victims of the social norms?
• Think of how the play’s themes are relevant nowadays . Which of them remained timeless, relevant for any period? Are any themes become obsolete and useless in today’s world? Elaborate on each theme separately with examples from the play.
• Reflect on Hamlet’s mood swings . Provide examples of how the prince’s mood affects his actions and speech. What can and did influence his mood?
• Examine Polonius’ death. Why was he hiding behind the tapestry during the scene? Was it his idea? How did he die? Elaborate on irony in the way he was murdered. How did it affect the plot?
• Analyze Hamlet as an actor. Is he good at playing a character? Elaborate on his dialogue with the First Player and his opinion about acting.
• Consider the motif of betrayal. Who betrays Hamlet? Explain how the attitude towards this act varies from character to character. How does Hamlet’s betrayal affect Ophelia?
• Explore the connection between honor and revenge . Explain why it’s the principal motivation for such characters as Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras. Comment on scenes where it reveals itself through actions and conversations.
• Elaborate on Hamlet’s death. Was it the only logical conclusion for Hamlet’s psychological and emotional development? Was he satisfied?
• Comment on the genre of the play . Can we call it revenge tragedy without any reservation? How did Shakespeare ruin the genre by Hamlet ?
• Compare Hamlet and the Ghost. What can you say about the language that the characters use? List the lines that state that Hamlet and the Ghost look similar.
• Think of the father-son relationships in the play . Analyze the relationships between Hamlet and King Hamlet and compare them to those of Laertes and Polonius. Which features are common for both of them?
• Elaborate on the name Hamlet . What does it mean? What’s its country of origin? Add a sentence or two about Amleth.
• Consider allusions to historical figures in the play. Why does Hamlet mention Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar in act 5? Why did Shakespeare include allusions at all?
• Examine soliloquies in Hamlet . What’s their role in the play? Provide lines from soliloquies that let us dive into the thoughts and intentions of a character. Does anyone lie during such a speech?
• Compare the two film adaptations of the play. Elaborate on different film techniques and alterations of the plot. Concentrate on one scene in particular and explain what changes were made.
• Explore Hamlet’s nihilism. When does Hamlet start to display features that are inherent to this school of thought? Explain how the prince came to nihilism, what pushed him to this.
• List the most painful moments of Hamlet’s life and elaborate on them. Include events that happened before the first act and within the play. Prove your point with evidence from the prince’s lines.
• Think of what poison represents. What does it refer to? Who dies from poison in the play?
• Consider the play from the public’s perspective. How does Claudius manipulate the public’s opinion? What do people think of the new king and Hamlet?
• Compare and contrast Gertrude and Ophelia. What traits do they have in common? Explain differences and similarities in their affection towards Hamlet. Who controls these women?
• Elaborate on the villain of the story. Who can be considered an antagonist of the play? Why do some people regard Hamlet as a villain?
• Imagine how Hamlet could’ve reacted to modern society. What aspects of the future would he appreciate? What social norms would shock him? Would he be more comfortable in our period?
• Evaluate all the relationships in Hamlet’s life. What’s the most significant one? Why? What relationships changed throughout the play?
• Comment on contradictions in the play. What contradictions does Hamlet face? Is he himself a contradictory character? Provide examples of Hamlet’s contradictions
• Explore the fencing in the last scene of Hamlet . What does it contribute to the story? Does it affect the end of the duel?
• Elaborate on the gravediggers. How did their job affect their attitude towards death? Comment on their humor and whether it’s a coping mechanism. Does it illustrate their perception of life?
• Compare Claudius and King Hamlet. What qualities differentiate them? What do they have in common? Speculate on who was a more talented politician and a better leader.
• Think of comic relief in Hamlet . Comment on how Polonius, Osric, gravediggers, and Hamlet’s dialogues with them enlighten the mood. Was the humor appropriate for revenge tragedies before Shakespeare?
• Consider foreshadowing in the play. What events are foreshadowed early on in Hamlet ? Present lines and features from act 1 that indicate the tragic end.
• Elaborate on justice and truth . How does Shakespeare show attitude towards justice common for this time? Does Hamlet approach fairness differently from the others? Elaborate on how Hamlet both pursue the truth and ignores it.
• Examine the “Get thee to a nunnery, go.” sentence. Why did Hamlet say so to Ophelia? What made the prince think that she was vicious?
• Comment on Hamlet’s cruelty. When does Hamlet become cruel towards other characters? Is he cruel towards himself? Analyze situations where Hamlet talks viciously and whether it’s intentional or not.
• Explore Hamlet’s character . Why is the prince such an unusual figure for revenge tragedies? Explain how Shakespeare created the hero who struggles to act with firmness and constantly reflects on his actions and decisions. Is he easy to understand and relate to?
• Analyze the play within the play. What’s its role in plot development? Why did Hamlet let the play take place? Explain what scene he added and why. Elaborate on the title The Mousetrap .
• Examine the consequences of revenge . What conclusion does Shakespeare provide for the theme of revenge? Explain how does it influence the deaths of Hamlet and Laertes, the absolute victory of Fortinbras.
• Reflect on Hamlet’s hesitance to kill Claudius . Why does he consider murdering his uncle in act 1? What stops him? Illustrate all the occasions when Hamlet could’ve killed Claudius but didn’t, and one time he did. What pushed him in the end?
• Compare Claudius to Laertes. Are there any similarities? How do these characters form an alliance by the end of the play?
• Comment on Gertrude’s guiltiness . Hamlet considers his mother guilty of too many crimes, but was she guilty of anything? Speculate whether she participated in King Hamlet’s murder or had an affair with Claudius before her husband’s death. Was she loyal to Hamlet?
• Elaborate on the “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark …“ line. Who says it? Explain the context of the line, its meaning, and what it foreshadows.
• Examine Polonius’ advice to Laertes. Provide its meaning and reflect on Polonius’ intentions. Why is this speech ironic?

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Hamlet Discussion Questions

You can use these to start the discussion, or you can ask your own questions or comment on other features of the play.

• What is "rotten in the state of Denmark," as Marcellus tells us?  What do we learn about the situation in Scene I? In Scene II?
• In what ways is Scene II a contrast to Scene I?   What do we learn about Gertrude, Claudius, and Hamlet in this scene?
• What is the function of the Polonius-Ophelia-Laertes family in this play? What parallels exist between their situation and that of the ruling family?
• What does Hamlet learn from the Ghost's speech? 
• Why does this act open with Polonius and Reynaldo?  What does this tell us about Polonius's character, and what theme or motif does it introduce in the play?
• How does the interaction between Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern help to explain what's wrong with Hamlet?  Why are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Denmark?
• The First Player's speech is often cut in performances of the play.  Explain why it is important and why it should not be cut .
• Hamlet's "O what a rogue and peasant slave am I" is the first of his soliloquies. What is he saying, and how does this set of words help to move him to action?
• What does he decide to do at the end of this speech?
• What is the subject of Hamlet's second soliloquy, the famous "To be or not to be" speech?
• Why is he so cruel to Ophelia immediately thereafter?
• What happens in the "play-within-a-play"?  How do the speeches and actions reflect on events in the kingdom of Denmark?  How does the king respond?
• In what way is Hamlet's second major interaction with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (III.ii.375-415) different from his first encounter with them?
• Why does Hamlet decline to take action against Claudius in III.iii ?
• What happens in III.iv (the closet scene)?  Why is this death so important for the play, or what does the death of this figure represent?
• Based on what you've seen in III.iv , do you think Gertrude knew about the murder?
• Is Hamlet really mad in this play, or is merely pretending to be mad? (Find lines that support your answer.)
• A foil is a character who is like the protagonist in some respects but who has contrasting qualities that "reflect" or illuminate the traits of the main character.  Who are Hamlet's foils, and in what ways do their characters shed light on his?
• Do Hamlet and Fortinbras meet in IV.iv ? Why is this significant?
• Why is Ophelia mad?  Does anything she say make sense?  What happens to her at the end of Act IV? What does her madness and death symbolize about the kingdom?
• Look at the scene with Laertes and Claudius ( IV.vii ).  What plans do they have for Hamlet?  How does this scene establish Laertes as a foil for Hamlet?
• Why is Hamlet less present in this act than in the previous three?
• Why does this scene begin with two clowns trading jokes?  Do their jokes make any sense in the context of the play? 
• Where do Hamlet and Laertes fight in V.ii ?
• Who is Osric , and why is he included in the play?
• Does Hamlet realize that he might not come out of this fight alive? See V.ii.225-238.
• What is the outcome of the fight scene at the end?
• When Gertrude drinks from the cup, Claudius asks her not to drink and she refuses.  Has she ever disobeyed Claudius before?
• Who is alive at the end of the play, and how do the others meet their ends?
• Why is Fortinbras's presence important?

D. Campbell

Table of Contents

William shakespeare.

Hamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare between 1599 and 1601. It outlines the Prince of Denmark’s struggle to avenge his father’s murder, highlighting his difficulty pursuing his sense of duty and honor in the face of not just practical difficulties but also his sense of the inconsistencies and uncertainties in the political, religious, and cultural world that make his goal of taking revenge potentially immoral or even pointless. The play is arguably the most famous revenge tragedy ever written.

English that goes straight to the heart

Hamlet Act 1

Hamlet is a tragedy written by  William Shakespeare , marking one of his most iconic works.

In this post, I will provide a comprehensive plot summary of Hamlet Act 1, broken down by scene with corresponding questions and answers for each section.

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Hamlet Act 1 Scene 1

Just after twelve o’clock, Francisco stops watching, and Barnardo and Marcellus ask Horatio to join them to see the ghost of the dead king. The ghost appears two times but doesn’t speak to them. They plan to tell Hamlet in the morning.

They think that seeing a ghost usually means something important might happen. They believe the ghost of the king is connected to the upcoming war with young Fortinbras of Norway. He wants to get back the lands his father lost when he battled Hamlet’s deceased father, the old King of Denmark.

Questions on Hamlet Act 1 Scene 1

• Why does Francisco stop watching, and who is asked to join Barnardo and Marcellus? Answer: Francisco stops watching as his shift ends, and Horatio is asked to join Barnardo and Marcellus to see the ghost of the dead king.
• How many times does the ghost appear to them, and does it communicate with them? Answer: The ghost appears two times but doesn’t speak to them.
• What do Barnardo, Marcellus, and Horatio plan to do in the morning? Answer: They plan to tell Hamlet about the appearance of the ghost.
• Why do they believe the appearance of a ghost might be significant? Answer: They believe seeing a ghost usually indicates that something important might happen.
• What connection do they establish between the ghost of the king and the upcoming war with young Fortinbras of Norway? Answer: They believe the ghost of the king might be connected to the upcoming war because young Fortinbras of Norway wants to reclaim the lands his father lost in a battle against Hamlet’s deceased father, the old King of Denmark.
• Who is young Fortinbras, and what does he want? Answer: Young Fortinbras is from Norway and seeks to regain the lands his father lost when he battled against the old King of Denmark.
• Why do they choose to inform Hamlet about the ghost in the morning? Answer: They decide to wait until morning to inform Hamlet because they believe the news might disturb him less in the daylight.
• What was the reason behind the battle between the old King of Denmark and young Fortinbras’ father? Answer: The battle between the old King of Denmark and young Fortinbras’ father was due to a dispute over lands.
• How do the characters view the appearance of the ghost in relation to the imminent war? Answer: They speculate that the ghost’s appearance might be linked to the upcoming war with young Fortinbras, implying a connection to the unsettled conflict.
• What role does Horatio play in the unfolding events with the ghost and its significance? Answer: Horatio is among those who witness the appearance of the ghost and is involved in the decision to inform Hamlet, forming perspectives on the potential implications of the ghost’s presence.

Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2

King Claudius tells everyone that despite feeling sad about his brother’s recent death, he’s married Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother. He also shares news about young Fortinbras being aggressive and asks Voltemand and Cornelius to take a message to the King of Norway to calm down his nephew. Laertes asks to go back to France, and Polonius agrees. The King and Queen then ask Hamlet to stop being sad and to stay instead of going back to school. Hamlet agrees.

After everyone leaves, Hamlet feels upset about his mother marrying someone who isn’t as good as his father. Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo come and tell Hamlet about the ghost they saw. Hamlet promises to stay with them that night to talk to the ghost.

Questions on Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2

• Who is King Claudius, and what news does he share with everyone? Answer: King Claudius is the new king of Denmark. He shares the news of his recent marriage to Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother. He also discusses the aggression of young Fortinbras and assigns Voltemand and Cornelius to take a message to the King of Norway to address this issue.
• Why does Laertes ask to return to France, and who approves his request? Answer: Laertes asks to return to France, and his father Polonius agrees to his request.
• What do King Claudius and Queen Gertrude ask of Hamlet, and how does he respond? Answer: They ask Hamlet to stop grieving and stay in Denmark instead of returning to school. Hamlet agrees to their request.
• Who informs Hamlet about the sighting of the ghost, and what is Hamlet’s response? Answer: Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo inform Hamlet about the ghost they saw. Hamlet promises to stay with them that night to speak to the ghost.
• What task does King Claudius assign Voltemand and Cornelius? Answer: King Claudius assigns Voltemand and Cornelius the task of delivering a message to the King of Norway to calm down his nephew, young Fortinbras.
• How does Hamlet initially react to his mother’s marriage to King Claudius? Answer: Hamlet feels upset and expresses disappointment over his mother marrying someone he considers inferior to his deceased father.
• Who is granted permission to return to France, and who agrees to this request? Answer: Laertes is granted permission to return to France, and his father, Polonius, approves his request.
• Why do King Claudius and Queen Gertrude ask Hamlet to stay in Denmark instead of going back to school? Answer: They request that Hamlet remain in Denmark to cease his grieving and to be present with them instead of returning to school.
• How does Hamlet react to the news of the ghost’s appearance as conveyed by Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo? Answer: Hamlet promises to stay with them that night to talk to the ghost, showing interest and readiness to engage with the mysterious apparition .

Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3

Laertes meets Ophelia before he leaves for France. He tells her to be careful of how Hamlet behaves with her and advises her to stay pure. Ophelia promises to follow his advice and asks him to do the same. Polonius comes in and gives advice to Laertes before he leaves. He also warns Ophelia about Hamlet’s romantic interests and tells her to stay away from him completely. She agrees to do as her father says.

Questions on Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3

• Who advises Ophelia to be cautious of Hamlet’s behavior, and what advice is given to her? Answer: Laertes advises Ophelia to be careful of how Hamlet behaves with her and instructs her to maintain her virtue and purity.
• What promise does Ophelia make to Laertes when he advises her about Hamlet? Answer: Ophelia promises to follow Laertes’ advice about being cautious around Hamlet and to maintain her purity.
• Who enters the scene after Laertes’ conversation with Ophelia, and what advice does this character give to Laertes before his departure? Answer: Polonius enters the scene and gives advice to Laertes before his departure, urging him to conduct himself with honor, be true to himself, and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
• What warning does Polonius give to Ophelia about Hamlet’s romantic inclinations, and what does he advise her to do? Answer: Polonius warns Ophelia about Hamlet’s romantic interests and instructs her to steer clear of him entirely.
• How does Ophelia respond to her father’s advice regarding Hamlet? Answer: Ophelia agrees to comply with her father’s instructions and promises to distance herself from Hamlet as advised.
• What specific guidance does Laertes give to Ophelia about her relationship with Hamlet before he departs for France? Answer: Laertes advises Ophelia to be cautious about Hamlet’s behavior and to safeguard her own purity while dealing with him.
• Who advises Laertes before his departure, and what key advice is given to him? Answer: Polonius advises Laertes before his departure, emphasizing the importance of being true to himself, preserving his honor, and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.
• Why does Polonius warn Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet completely? Answer: Polonius warns Ophelia about Hamlet’s romantic interests and advises her to distance herself from him completely to avoid any potential harm.
• What promise does Ophelia make to her brother, Laertes, regarding the advice he gives her about Hamlet? Answer: Ophelia promises her brother, Laertes, that she will follow his advice and guidance about being cautious around Hamlet and maintaining her virtue.
• What is the general theme of the advice given to Ophelia by both Laertes and Polonius concerning Hamlet? Answer: Both Laertes and Polonius advise Ophelia to be wary of Hamlet’s intentions and to distance herself from him to protect her own well-being and virtue.

Hamlet Act 1 Scene 4

Just after midnight, Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are waiting to see the Ghost. The Ghost shows up and signals to Hamlet, who goes after it. Horatio and Marcellus follow them.

Questions on Hamlet Act 1 Scene 4

• Who is present and waiting just after midnight to witness the Ghost? Answer: Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are waiting just after midnight to see the Ghost.
• What action does the Ghost take when it appears to Hamlet and the others? Answer: The Ghost signals to Hamlet when it appears.
• After the Ghost signals to Hamlet, what does Hamlet do? Answer: Hamlet decides to go after the Ghost.
• Who joins Hamlet when he follows the Ghost, and why? Answer: Horatio and Marcellus follow Hamlet because they want to accompany and support him as he goes after the Ghost.
• What significant event unfolds as the Ghost appears and signals to Hamlet? Answer: Following the Ghost’s appearance and signaling to Hamlet, Hamlet’s decision to pursue the Ghost, with Horatio and Marcellus in tow, marks a critical moment where the story’s intrigue and mystery intensify.

Hamlet Act 1 Scene 5

The Ghost of Hamlet’s father tells him that he was killed by poison poured into his ear by Claudius. The Ghost asks Hamlet to seek revenge but tells him to leave his mother’s judgment to heaven. As the Ghost disappears, Hamlet promises to remember his father. When Horatio and Marcellus show up, Hamlet keeps the conversation secret. The Ghost reappears, repeatedly asking them to promise not to tell what they’ve seen. Hamlet also tells them not to share the truth if he starts behaving strangely later on, and they promise. Hamlet feels upset about his duty to avenge such a terrible wrongdoing.

Questions on Hamlet Act 1 Scene 5

• What crucial information does the Ghost of Hamlet’s father reveal to Hamlet? Answer: The Ghost informs Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, who poured poison into his ear.
• What does the Ghost ask of Hamlet after revealing the truth about his murder? Answer: The Ghost asks Hamlet to seek revenge for his death but advises him to leave the judgment of his mother to heaven.
• How does Hamlet respond when Horatio and Marcellus arrive, and why does he keep the conversation secret? Answer: Hamlet keeps the conversation with the Ghost a secret when Horatio and Marcellus arrive, perhaps to protect the sensitive information and the Ghost’s demands.
• What happens when the Ghost reappears in front of Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus? Answer: The Ghost reappears and repeatedly asks them to promise not to disclose what they’ve seen or learned.
• What specific advice does Hamlet give to Horatio and Marcellus regarding his future behavior? Answer: Hamlet instructs them not to disclose the truth about what they’ve seen if he behaves strangely in the future.
• How does Hamlet feel about the duty of avenging his father’s murder after the Ghost’s revelations? Answer: Hamlet feels upset and burdened by the responsibility of avenging such a terrible wrongdoing.
• What significance does the promise made by Hamlet to remember his father hold in the storyline? Answer: Hamlet’s promise to remember and avenge his father’s death becomes a crucial driving force in the plot, leading to subsequent actions and dilemmas.
• What is the impact of the Ghost’s revelations on Hamlet’s emotional state and the secrecy he demands from his companions? Answer: The Ghost’s revelations deeply affect Hamlet, burdening him with the task of revenge, leading him to demand secrecy from Horatio and Marcellus regarding what they’ve witnessed. It also contributes to Hamlet’s internal turmoil and emotional distress.

Hamlet Act 2

Hamlet Act 3

Hamlet Act 4

Hamlet Act 5

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Hamlet - Act 1, scene 1

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Act 1, scene 1.

On the guards’ platform at Elsinore, Horatio waits with Barnardo and Marcellus to question a ghost that has twice before appeared. The Ghost, in the form of the late King Hamlet of Denmark, appears but will not speak. Horatio decides to tell his fellow student, Prince Hamlet, about the Ghost’s appearance.

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Hamlet (Act 1 scene 1-3): Questions and Answers

• Hamlet (Act 1 scene 1-3):…

Q1.  Who joins Bernardo, the watchman, on his watch of the castle?

Marcellus and Horatio joins Bernardo on his watch of the castle.

Q2. What do Marcellus and Bernardo want to show Horatio?

They want to show him a ghost.

Q3. What proves to Horatio that the ghost is that of the King?

It was wearing the same armor as the King, when he fought the King of Norway.

Q4. Who is Fortinbras?

He is the King of Norway.

Q5. Who is now married to King Hamlet’s wife? In a well-developed paragraph, explain whether or not you believe he is truly in love with Gertrude or why you believe he married her. (no personal pronouns, Topic statement, PEI for two to three points and a concluding statement).

Claudius is married to Hamlet’s mother Gertrude. Even though he shows affection toward her doesn’t mean he loves her. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that he married Gertrude to become king, since the ghost explains to Hamlet, “thus was I, sleeping, by a brother’s hand of life, of Crown, of Queen at once dispatched, cut off even in the blossoms of my sin” It shows how greedy he became and all he cared about was having power, and for that, he killed his own brother and used his wife for his own benefit. Claudius seems to have both qualities good and evil, it is evident since he does not hurt Gertrude and gives her respect and cares about her.

Q6. Why is Claudius mourning?

           He is mourning, because the King was his brother.

Q7. What do Claudius and Gertrude want Prince Hamlet to do?

They want him to stop mourning about his father’s death.

Q8. What does Prince Hamlet contemplate doing because he is so upset?

He wants to commit suicide.

Q9. What does Fortinbras want from Claudius?

            He wants to take revenge of his father’s death and want his land back.

Q10. What does Laertes warn Ophelia about?

He warns her to be stay away from Hamlet.

Q11. What is Laertes’ main objection to Ophelia’s feelings?

             He tells her that Hamlet is using her and this relationship won’t last long.

Q12. When Laertes shared Ophelia’s actions and feelings with Polonius, how does he react.

              He gets mad at her and orders her to never meet Hamlet again.

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Author:  William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

Tutor and Freelance Writer. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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