Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Act 1, Scene 5 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, the ghost of King Hamlet reveals to Prince Hamlet that his death was caused by Claudius, who poisoned him while he slept, seizing the throne and the queen. The ghost commands Hamlet to avenge his murder but not to harm his mother, Queen Gertrude. Hamlet, torn between sorrow and rage, commits to revenge. He swears his friends to secrecy, pretending madness as part of his plan. The ghost's presence introduces themes of madness, revenge, and escalates the play’s complexity, setting Hamlet on a path similar to that of Prince Fortinbras.

Takeaways

• 👻 Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father, who reveals that he was murdered by Claudius.
• 🐍 The ghost explains that the people of Denmark believe the king died from a snake bite, but it was Claudius who killed him with poison.
• 👑 Claudius stole the king’s life, crown, and wife by killing him while he napped in the orchard.
• ⚔️ The ghost demands Hamlet to avenge his murder but warns him not to harm Queen Gertrude, his mother.
• 😢 Hamlet is overwhelmed with sorrow and anger, ending his soliloquy with a commitment to revenge.
• 🌀 Hamlet hints at his future plan to act insane to Horatio and Marcellus but makes them swear secrecy.
• 💥 The ghost reappears to urge Horatio and Marcellus to swear to keep Hamlet's plan secret, emphasizing the importance of their promise.
• 🎭 The ghost's presence adds complexity, revealing truths about the king’s death and setting Hamlet on a path of revenge.
• 📈 The ghost's demand for revenge builds tension and pushes Hamlet from grieving to enraged, driving the plot forward.
• 🔄 Hamlet's life starts to parallel Fortinbras, as both princes seek revenge for their murdered fathers.

Q & A

What does the ghost in Act 1, Scene 5 of *Hamlet* ask Hamlet to do?

The ghost asks Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing Claudius, the current king, who poisoned him.

How did the citizens of Denmark believe King Hamlet died?

The citizens of Denmark believed that King Hamlet died after being bitten by a snake while napping in his orchard.

What is the true cause of King Hamlet’s death?

King Hamlet was murdered by his brother Claudius, who poured poison into his ear while he was sleeping.

What specific instruction does the ghost give Hamlet regarding Queen Gertrude?

The ghost tells Hamlet not to harm his mother, Queen Gertrude, even though he is to seek revenge on Claudius.

How does Hamlet react to the ghost's revelation and demands?

Hamlet is overwhelmed and delivers a soliloquy that expresses both sorrow and rage, ultimately committing to avenge his father's death.

Why does Hamlet decide to act crazy after his encounter with the ghost?

Hamlet decides to pretend to be mad to confuse others and conceal his true intentions of avenging his father’s murder.

What do Horatio and Marcellus swear to after Hamlet’s encounter with the ghost?

Horatio and Marcellus swear to keep the secret of Hamlet’s encounter with the ghost and to stay silent no matter how strangely Hamlet acts in the future.

How does the appearance of the ghost affect the plot of the play?

The ghost adds complexity to the plot by revealing important information, like the truth about King Hamlet's death, and it serves as a catalyst for Hamlet's quest for revenge.

What themes are emphasized through the ghost's interactions with Hamlet?

The ghost emphasizes themes such as revenge, madness, and the consequences of betrayal.

How does Hamlet's character change after meeting the ghost?

Hamlet transitions from being a grieving son to an enraged one, motivated by both sorrow and a burning desire for revenge.