Questions for ACT 1 SCENE 1

1) How is interest created in the opening scene?
The setting is interesting to me. It is a midnight in winter, outside a castle. The mood is set dark, like death and they are even preparing for war.

2) What information are we given to help us understand the situation?
Horatio's speech

• Fortinbras vs. Hamlet
• There is a ghost of King Fortinbras who is dressed in armor.
• Leaders show up in times of danger

3) What happens at the end of the scene to create suspense and keep up the reader’s interest?
The ghost comes back and then vanishes as the cock crows

4) What is the mood of the scene?
Dark/mysterious

5) Why are the sentries apprehensive (there are two reasons)?

Sentries?

6) What reasons are suggested by Horatio for the appearance of the late King’s ghost?

• Getting revenge on hamlet
• Great leaders are there in times of danger for the People