Hamlet Analysis: Act 1 Scene 1

Summary

In this analysis of Act 1, Scene 1 of *Hamlet*, the speaker delves into the key themes and events that set the stage for the entire play. The ghost of King Hamlet appears, signaling a disruption in the cosmic order, as Claudius's usurpation of the throne unsettles the kingdom. The speaker explores the 'Great Chain of Being,' the concept of a hero’s quest to heal a 'wasteland,' and the complexities of Hamlet’s indecision. Additionally, Horatio's warning about the ghost’s potential malevolence hints at the moral and psychological challenges that Hamlet will face in his journey for revenge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hamlet returns to Denmark after the death of his father and his mother's swift remarriage to his uncle Claudius, setting the stage for familial tension.
• 😀 The opening scene introduces an eerie atmosphere with the appearance of Hamlet's father's ghost, hinting at a cosmic disturbance in Denmark.
• 😀 The 'Great Chain of Being' concept is central to the play, with Hamlet's father's death and Claudius' usurpation disrupting the divine order of the universe.
• 😀 Horatio's line, 'This bodes some strange eruption to our state,' foreshadows the chaotic events that will follow in Denmark and aligns with the play's theme of cosmic disorder.
• 😀 The ghost's refusal to speak to the guards or Horatio suggests it has a specific message for Hamlet, reinforcing the central conflict of the play.
• 😀 The idea of omens and bad signs is explored, with Denmark preparing for war due to potential conflict with Norway, reflecting the larger state of unrest.
• 😀 Young Fortinbras, who seeks to reclaim land lost by his father, is introduced as a foil to Hamlet, representing action versus Hamlet's indecision.
• 😀 The notion of 'wasteland' emerges, where Hamlet's quest for revenge is set against a broken world that only a hero can restore.
• 😀 Hamlet’s indecision and failure to act on his duty are established early on, as he wrestles with the moral implications of revenge.
• 😀 The rising sun, associated with goodness and order, contrasts with the darkness and chaos of night, symbolizing the moral and cosmic upheaval in Denmark.
• 😀 The ambiguous nature of the ghost is explored, with Horatio warning Hamlet that the ghost could be malevolent, introducing a key theme of trust and deception in the play.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the speaker in this video?

The speaker provides an analysis of Act 1, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, focusing on key themes, characters, and quotes to help understand the plot and psychological depth of the play.

What is the 'great chain of being' and how does it relate to the play?

The 'great chain of being' is an Elizabethan cosmological belief where God is at the top, followed by the king, and other beings below. In *Hamlet*, the disruption of this hierarchy by Claudius' usurpation of the throne leads to cosmic disorder, which affects both the state of Denmark and the play's characters.

What role does the ghost play in the first scene of *Hamlet*?

The ghost of Hamlet's father appears in Act 1, Scene 1, but does not speak to the guards or Horatio. Its appearance signals the disturbance in the natural order, representing the unresolved tensions in Denmark and foreshadowing Hamlet's quest for revenge.

How does the speaker describe Hamlet's character at the start of the play?

The speaker describes Hamlet as a 'failed hero' who is indecisive and dithering. While he is tasked with avenging his father's death, he struggles with action and self-reflection, which complicates his role as the traditional hero.

What does Horatio mean by 'this bodes some strange eruption to our state'?

Horatio's line suggests that the appearance of the ghost is a sign of a larger disruption in Denmark, indicating that something is deeply wrong both in the country and within the cosmic order. This connects to the theme of disorder introduced by the play.

How does the theme of the 'wasteland' emerge in Act 1, Scene 1?

The 'wasteland' theme emerges as the ghost’s appearance signals a broken world that needs healing. Hamlet’s quest for revenge is framed as a journey to restore order to Denmark, but the state of the nation and the cosmic disorder reflect the 'wasteland' that Hamlet must confront.

What is the significance of the guards and Horatio witnessing the ghost?

The appearance of the ghost to the guards and Horatio is crucial for setting the stage for the play's supernatural and psychological elements. It serves as the catalyst for the story, introducing the mystery of Hamlet’s father's death and the need for Hamlet to return to Denmark.

What is Horatio's warning regarding the nature of the ghost?

Horatio warns Hamlet to be cautious, as ghosts can sometimes be deceptive. He suggests that the devil might take the form of a pleasing ghost to trick humans into carrying out its bidding, which adds an element of danger and uncertainty to Hamlet’s decisions.

How does the rising sun play a symbolic role in the scene?

The rising sun symbolizes clarity and the return of order. As the sun rises, the ghost disappears, suggesting that the night (symbolizing chaos and the supernatural) is over. It could also imply that the universe itself is in need of healing, which Hamlet's actions might address.

Why is the conflict between Denmark and Norway mentioned in Act 1, Scene 1?

The conflict between Denmark and Norway is briefly mentioned to highlight the political tension in the background of the play. It serves as exposition for the preparation for war and introduces Fortinbras, who will later act as a foil to Hamlet, contrasting Hamlet’s inaction with his own drive for action.