Clarity Questions by Abbie Clark

Why does Polonius and Laertes forbid Ophelia from having anything to do with Hamlet?

What did the Ghost ask Hamlet to do?

What did Horatio and Marcellus swear to do?

Who killed the former King of Denmark?

Personal Response Annie Cruz

My reaction to Act 1 in Hamlet is disquist. The fact that a person could possibly be so power greedy that they would take their own siblings life is horrific. Althought Hamlet's reaction to being enlightened of the cause of his father's death wasn't what I expected, I do beleive that he will overall get his vengence on King Claudius. I find that Hamlet is a very depressed character. Hes very emotional and sensitive for the usual masculine role. Also, I find it interesting that Shakespear involves and refers to ghosts in this story. When Hamlet's father's spirit communicates with him i found it to be a very important part of the story because this sets Hamlet's actions for the rest of the play.

Hamlet Questions Act 1

1. Why doesn't Hamlet talk to his mother about why she is marrying his uncle?

2. So what kept Hamlet from coming to his fathers wedding?

3. Why do Horatio and Marcellus not want Hamlet to go and talk to the ghost in private?

4. What gives Claudius the nerve to speak about his dead brother in front of all those people and right in Hamlets face?

-Ashton T.Jones

Symbols/Allusions by Annie

In Act 1 scene 2, Hamlet refers to King Claudius when he states, "Tis an unweeded garden that grows a seed. things rank and gross in nature possess it merely." This allusion is very important because it clearly expresses Hamlet's anger and emotions towards his uncle and mother's marriage. Hamlet is beyond depressed and bewildered at how his mother is not still mourning his fathers death. He feels as if Claudius is a seed in a weed garden, this is because Hamlet has no desire for Claudius to take the place of his father, he beleives that King Claudius is very unwanted.

The second allusion that Shakespear makes is to the serpant(Act 1 scene 5)When Hamlet is speaking with the ghost, his fathers spirt, he informs Hamlet
the true cause of his death, his alludes to King Claudius as the surpent who stung him. This alludes to the devil, as the serpent in the Garden of Eden. He is the one who caused evil to the world, and by Hamlet's father referring to King Claudius as a serpant, he is expressing his opinion of the evil which drives the new king. Claudius is a very manipulitive person and will do whatever possible to recieve power.

Personal response, Rachel Myers

I like how the story is getting much better to read, it is actually interesting because Hamlet has found out this new information that it was his own Uncle that killed his father. I think this upsets and makes him even more mad that his mother and uncle are married now. Everyone thought it was a snake that killed his father but it was poison given to him by his uncle. I predict that eventually it will come out that Hamlet knows this since his two friends were there and heard it, but I don't think people are going to believe him. The hardest part about reading this is you have to pay really close attention to the language used because at times it can be difficult to understand.

Language, Rachel Myers

1)  pg. 7, act 1, scene 1
Barnardo: "if you meet Horatio and Marcellus, the rivals of my watch, bid them make haste."
-this means The are "fellow sentries" but if they came send them on their way quickly.
-it makes the the tone of the story feel rushed.

2) pg. 27, act 1, scene 2
King: "you are the most immediate to the throne."
-this is directed towards Hamlet and means after him he is the next to be king.
-it shows how heartless this king is to Hamlet. hamlet should've been the one to be king, instead of him. He is trying to make Hamlet move on from his fathers death, even though he is still obviously grieving.

3) pg. 31, act 1, scene 2
Hamlet: "o God a beast that wants discourse of reason would've mourned longer!"
-This means that even a monster with no heart would have mourned over this longer then his Uncle did.
-It shows that Hamlet is mad, you can feel his pain and suffering because this is his father that is gone, plus his mother has a new husband, which is his uncle. You understand how mad Hamlet is toward his new "father" and mother.

4) pg. 51, act 1, scene 4
Hamlet: "O'erleavens"
-This means radically changes.
-It adds to the effect of how the old the languages used is. It is much different then how we talk today.

5) pg. 59, act 1, scene 5
Ghost: "hebona"
-Hebona is a type of poison.
-This explains how the real King died. The tone makes you feel like things are now speechless, because we have learned it was the King's own brother that killed him.

Who's Who, Hannah

Hamlet- Hamlet is the son of the late king of Denmark. He is the very upset with his mother for marrying his father's brother so soon after his father's death. He is also upset to see so much celebration during this sad time. However, Hamlet is a good son and tries to keep his feelings to himself so he can make his mother happy.
Horatio- Horatio is Hamlet's best friend and he is the one that suggest they should tell Hamlet about seeing his father's ghost. Horatio looks out for Hamlet and wants the best for him. He gives Hamlet advice and stands by his side through all of Hamlet's situations.
The King- The king at this point in the story is Hamlet's uncle. He has just married Hamlet's mother. The king seems to be a little overbearing and arrogant. He thinks Hamlet should put everything that is bothering him behind him and be strong and happy. He seems to have a straightforward personality and he seems to be a person that will do anything to get what he wants.
Ophelia- Ophelia is a young lady living in the castle. She is the sister of  Laertes. She seems to have a mind of her own but she listens to all the advice that her brother and father try to give her. Even though she will probably just do whatever she wants.
Laertes- Laertes is a young man that has lived in the castle and is now going off to France. He seems to be a quiet and shy guy that just wants to do his own thing. He seems protective over his younger sister and tells her to stay away from Hamlet so she does not get hurt.
Polonius- Polonius is the father of Ophelia and Laertes. He seems to want the best for his children therefore he gives them adive. He gives Laertes advice on how to be the best man he can be and he gives Ophelia advice on her relationship with Prince Hamlet.
The Queen- The queen is Hamlet's mother and she is married to Hamlet's uncle. She tries to sympathize with Hamlet but she really wants him to cheer up. The queen seems to be a lady that is easily manipulated. She only knows what her new husband has told her and even though her husband has died not long ago she believes she still needs to be happy and Hamlet should be happy too.

Personal Reaction, Tori

My personal opinion of Hamlet's situation is that everything that has happened to him is ridiculous and sad.  It is wrong of his mother to marry his uncle after such a short period of time that has passed after his father's death.  It is also very shocking that Hamlet discovers that the supposed "ghost" is his father, and it is ironic that he finds out that his father was murdered by his uncle, the new king of Denmark.  It is also wrong of the kingdom to move on from King Hamlet's death as quickly as they did, because he was a great king and deserved more.  As of right now Hamlet is no longer depressed, but once he has had his revenge, I feel that his depression may resurface, as for him to have any emotion right now is better than him feeling nothing at all, and that is why his need for revenge is so strong.