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Summary Of Hamlet Essay, Research Paper

Summary of Hamlet SUMMARY OF THE PLAYAct I, Scene i:The play begins on the outer ramparts of Elsinore castle. It is late andBernardo, a guard, is on duty waiting for Francisco to relieve him from hiswatch. Bernardo is nervous because the previous two nights he and Franciscohave seen a figure who appears to be the ghost of the recently deceasedking wandering around. Francisco approaches, accompanied by Horatio (Hamlet’s only friend andconfident). Even though Horatio dismisses the idea of a ghost, the guardsstart to retell the previous nights’ encounters. As the guards begin, theghost appears before them- much to Horatio’s surprise. The guards urge Horatio to speak with the ghost. Because Horatio is astudent, they feel he should be able to communicate with the ghost, andtheir previous attempts to talk with it have failed. Horatio’s attemptsalso fail. The scene ends with Horatio stating that he will go and informhis friend Hamlet of these incredible events. Act I, Scene ii:This scene opens in contrast to the first scene. The first scene takesplace on the dark, cold isolated ramparts; this scene begins in a brightlylit court, with the new king, Claudius, celebrating his recent wedding tohis new wife, Gertrude. Everyone in the court appears happy and joyful, except one character who issitting off to the side. He is dressed in black, the colour of mourning,and does not like what he sees. The lone figure is Hamlet, the maincharacter of the play. He is wearing black because it has been only twomonths since his father, Hamlet senior the ghost on the battlements, diedand he still is mourning his father’s death. To further upset Hamlet, Claudius’ new bride is Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude. Hamlet is upset because his mother married Claudius so soon after becominga widow. To add to all the injustices Hamlet is feeling at this time,Claudius is also related to Hamlet. Hamlet’s uncle is now his father-in-lawand Gertrude’s brother-in-law is now her husband. Claudius conducts several pieces of business during the beginning of thisscene. He first tries to take measures to prevent a war with Norway, thendiscusses Laertes’ request to leave court and go back to school. Claudiusagrees with Polonius, Laertes’ father, that Laertes’ plan of going back toschool is a good one. He gives Laertes permission to go. This familial scene brings Claudius’ mind to Hamlet. He recognizes Hamletis upset and he tries to make amends and urges Hamlet to stay in Denmark,instead of returning to school. After his mother echoes Claudius’ request,Hamlet agrees to stay. Hamlet is left on stage after everyone else leaves. He speaks a soliloquyexpressing his anger at the present circumstances in his life and discusseshis depression as a result of these events. The scene ends with Horatio,Marcellus and Bernardo entering and talking with Hamlet about the ghostthey have seen. Hamlet agrees to join them this coming night to see theghost himself. Note: a soliloquy is the thoughts of a character being expressed out loud. These thoughts deal with the true feelings of a character and give insight into what a character is thinking about and how his mind works. This first soliloquy is one several spoken by Hamlet throughout the play. Each one gives us further insight into what Hamlet is feeling at the time. Text: Act I, Scene ii—————————————————————————Act I, Scene iii:This scene opens with Laertes saying his goodbyes to his sister Ophelia,before he leaves for school. We find out from their discussion that Hamlethas been seeing Ophelia and is very serious about their relationship. Hehas been alone with Ophelia on many occasions and has professed his lovefor her during these times. He has also given her gifts during thesevisits. Leartes, who knows about his sister’s suitor, tries to warn Ophelia thatbecause Hamlet is destined to become King, he can never be serious in hisrelationship with her. Hamlet may seem virtuous and noble at this time, hewarns, but he will leave her to fulfill his duties to the kingdom when thetime comes. She promises to be careful in this relationship and re-asserts that Hamlethas never taken advantage of her, nor has he ever been anything but agentleman in their relationship. The conversation ends with Ophelialecturing her brother that he should practice what he preaches and not fallinto any casual relationships foolishly, and not to worry about her. At this point, Polonius enters and gives his son one more lecture before heleaves on how to conduct himself when he goes back to school. The fatherlyadvice includes thoughts on not borrowing or lending money, because it cancause more problems than it is worth. He also tells his son not to saythings that might make others think he is foolish, to hold his tongue andto be careful of getting into quarrels, but once in one give a good showfor yourself. Finally, before Leartes leaves, Polonius tells him to be’true to himself.’ In other words, if you do the right things for the rightreasons you can never do any wrong to others. The scene ends with Polonius discussing with Ophelia her relationship withHamlet. He, like Laertes, does not trust Hamlet’s intentions, becauseHamlet is young and young men have no honour; they have only one thing ontheir minds- sex. Although Ophelia has no reason to distrust Hamlet’sintentions, she obeys her father’s wishes and agrees she will not seeHamlet any more. Text: Act I, Scene iii—————————————————————————Act I, Scene iv:It is the night following Horatio’s first encounter with the ghost and itfinds him, the guards and Hamlet on the platform waiting for the ghost. There is a celebration going on in the castle and Hamlet explains toHoratio that it is customary for the king to hold a celebration wherecannons are shot off in honour of the King’s health. This

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