Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Act 1, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 1, Scene 2 of *Hamlet*, King Claudius addresses the court, thanking them for their support following King Hamlet's death, his own marriage to Queen Gertrude, and his coronation. Claudius justifies his swift marriage due to the threat posed by young Fortinbras. Laertes seeks permission to return to France, while Claudius and Gertrude criticize Prince Hamlet for his prolonged mourning and urge him to stay in Denmark. In his soliloquy, Hamlet expresses grief over his father’s death and dismay at his mother’s quick remarriage, contemplating suicide but restraining himself. The scene ends with Hamlet learning of the ghost’s appearance.

Takeaways

• 👑 King Claudius holds court, thanking everyone for their support after the death of his brother, King Hamlet, and announcing his marriage to Queen Gertrude.
• ⚔️ Claudius justifies the swift marriage, citing the threat from Fortinbras, who might attack Denmark due to its perceived weakness.
• 📜 Claudius assures the court that he has taken action by writing to Fortinbras' uncle, the King of Norway, to prevent an attack.
• 🎓 Laertes, the son of Polonius, asks Claudius for permission to return to school in France, which Claudius grants.
• 😢 Claudius and Gertrude scold a grieving Prince Hamlet for his continued mourning and urge him to stay in Denmark rather than return to school in Wittenberg.
• 💔 Hamlet reveals in private that he is deeply sorrowful over his father’s death and feels disgusted by the quick marriage between his mother and uncle.
• 🔪 Hamlet contemplates suicide but refrains due to it being against God's law.
• 👻 Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo tell Hamlet about the ghost they’ve seen, which excites Hamlet, prompting him to join them for the night watch.
• 🤫 Hamlet asks the men to keep the ghost's sighting a secret, and they agree.
• 🎭 This scene introduces key characters, sets up the emotional turmoil Hamlet faces, and reveals his feelings of betrayal and despair.

Q & A

What is the significance of King Claudius's speech in Act 1, Scene 2 of *Hamlet*?

King Claudius's speech serves multiple purposes. He addresses the court to thank them for their support after his brother's death, justifies his swift marriage to Gertrude, and reassures them about handling the threat from Fortinbras of Norway.

Why does Claudius justify his quick marriage to Queen Gertrude?

Claudius justifies the quick marriage by pointing out the political threat from Fortinbras of Norway, who may see Denmark as vulnerable due to the recent death of King Hamlet. Claudius believes a stable monarchy is essential to defending the kingdom.

How does Claudius respond to the threat posed by Fortinbras?

Claudius informs the court that he has already taken action by writing to Fortinbras's uncle, the king of Norway, asking him to control his nephew and prevent an attack on Denmark.

What request does Laertes make during the court scene, and how does Claudius respond?

Laertes asks for permission to return to France to continue his studies. Claudius grants him permission after ensuring that Polonius, Laertes's father, approves.

How does Claudius and Gertrude's treatment of Hamlet differ in this scene?

Claudius and Gertrude scold Hamlet for his ongoing mourning and urge him to move on. Claudius tries to act as a father figure to Hamlet, while Gertrude is more concerned about Hamlet’s well-being, asking him to stay in Denmark.

Why is Hamlet upset and grieving during this scene?

Hamlet is deeply upset over the death of his father, King Hamlet, and is also disturbed by his mother Gertrude's hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius, which he finds inappropriate and disloyal.

What does Hamlet reveal in his soliloquy after Claudius and Gertrude leave?

In his soliloquy, Hamlet reveals his profound despair. He expresses sorrow over his father's death, disgust at his mother's quick remarriage, and even contemplates suicide, though he refrains because it's against God's law.

What news do Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo bring to Hamlet in this scene?

Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo tell Hamlet that they have seen the ghost of his father, King Hamlet, during their watch. Hamlet is intrigued and decides to join them that night to witness it himself.

What does Hamlet ask Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo to do after hearing about the ghost?

Hamlet asks them to keep quiet about the appearance of the ghost and not to tell anyone about it. They all swear to keep the secret.

What themes are introduced in Act 1, Scene 2 of *Hamlet*?

This scene introduces themes of grief, betrayal, political intrigue, and the complexity of family relationships. Hamlet’s inner turmoil and his feelings of betrayal by his mother are central, alongside the looming political threat from Fortinbras.