Discuss Act 1 in a brief paragraph
In act 1, Hamlet’s dead father appears to the two watchmen Bernardo and Marcellus and Hamlet’s friend Horatio. Bernardo and Marcellus had on the previous night seen the ghost of the late King Hamlet and thus decide to alert Horatio believing that the ghost wants to deliver a warning message. They summon Horatio who does not believe in ghosts and witchcraft, but who would probably deliver the news to Hamlet. Horatio sees the ghost and fails in his attempt to speak to it. He thus resolves to have Hamlet meet it concluding that the ghost would not refuse to speak with its son.
Discuss the level of the plot in this scene
This is a complex plot in which Shakespeare introduces the main characters and the conflict inherent in the play at the very beginning of the play. Apparently, this is a tragedy in which Hamlet’s Uncle Claudius kills Hamlet’s father, marries Hamlet’s mother and assumes the throne in place of Hamlet. Hamlet is thus left confused on the best course of action. The plot in this act sets the pace and the direction for the entire play. The plot relies on Hamlet’s action towards reclaiming his rightful position and to avenge his father’s death as his father in ghost form instructs him. This leads to Hamlet feigning madness to conceal his intentions. He also, together with the ghost force Bernardo and Marcellus to swear an oath of silence. The course Hamlet takes in his role to cleanse the sin committed in Denmark is unlike other forms of revenge thus its complexity. In this play, the character Hamlet assumes a moral course. The characters are forced to be rational and thoughtful in their actions towards achieving their objectives.
Discuss Act 2 in a brief paragraph
In act 2, Shakespeare introduces Polonius, Claudius and Gertrude. Claudius is Hamlet’s uncle who murdered Hamlet’s father King Hamlet. It is also in this act in which Hamlet begins his mission by first feigning madness while conversing with Polonius. Claudius and Gertrude invite Hamlet’s friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from Wittenberg to assist Hamlet recover from his madness. Claudius believes as Polonius informs him that Hamlet’s source of madness is due to his love for Ophelia who apparently has withdrawn from him (Hamlet).
The act defines Claudius as a political rather than as a brave and decisive King as his predecessor. Claudius is relieved when his ambassadors Voltimand and Cornelius report that Prince Fortinbras of Norway is not going to wage war against Denmark, but will instead seek a safe passage through Denmark to attack Poland. Claudius appears to be more concerned with the minor details in the Kingdom like Hamlet’s madness rather than focusing on strengthening his army and protecting his kingdom.
The most intriguing and developmental scene in this act is the play within the play. Hamlet plan to stage a play which imitates the events that took place between King Hamlet, his father and Claudius. He hopes that Claudius would show some guilt if he watches a play in which his real actions are portrayed.
Discuss the level of the plot in this scene
This is a developmental plot in which the antagonist (Claudius) and the protagonist (Hamlet) have begun attacking each other albeit indirectly. Hamlet seeks to have Claudius confess his crime through showing a guilt conscious while Claudius is busy investigating Hamlet’s perceived madness. They each use different mechanisms to unravel the truth behind their acts. This is also a complex plot introducing various factions that will later have an overall effect to the play.
