1. “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
Hamlet Act I
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

2. Act I, scene I Discussion
Exposition: establishment of character, situation, conflict…
The watch on the battlements Horatio and the Ghost
Horatio is introduced: he is educated, rational, dutiful
Scene establishes that something is wrong in Denmark:
Nervousness of the watch
Tension in the opening lines “Who's there?”
Appearance of the ghost of Old Hamlet
Preparations for war
Problems with young Fortinbras
These factors introduce us to a troubled Denmark

3. Act I, scene I Considerations
Based on what we discussed in class…
Find evidence that Horatio connects unnatural happenings to the ghost’s appearance. Use textual evidence to support answers.
Why do you think King Hamlet’s ghost appears at the beginning of the play? What might the allusion to Julius Caesar suggest?

4. Act I, Scene ii
The Court: King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Hamlet, Laertes, Polonius
Contrasts with scene one in that this scene gives the illusion of normality
Claudius: a “competent” administrator
Hamlet: still mourning the loss of his father; sets him apart from others: “ a cloud still hangs over him” – depressed, unsettled

5. Act I, Scene ii
Central Theme is introduced: “Seems, Madame” Speech by Hamlet (Appearance vs. Reality)
Claudius and Gertrude deal with Hamlet’s grief – irony in their concern over “natural” death by “unnatural causes”
Hamlet’s First Soliloquy –
our real first glimpse of Hamlet
Horatio’s Friendship

6. Act I, Scene ii: Discussion
Consider the King’s opening lines and underline key words describing his character—what outward appearance or façade is revealed in this speech?
Analyze the King’s advice to Hamlet about dealing with his father’s death—what is his advice? Do you agree?
Examine Hamlet’s first soliloquy. How would you describe Hamlet? Why is his speech so pessimistic?

7. “Mommy Dearest” Finally….
What kind of relationship does Hamlet have with his uncle and his mother? Explain.

8. Relationships, characterization…
Act I, Scene iiI
Relationships, characterization…
In this scene, we meet Ophelia, Laertes’ sister and Polonius’ daughter. Both give her some important advice about love.
Which one was more supportive? More “fatherly” and loving?

9. Act I, Scene iii Subplot: Laertes, Ophelia, Polonius
What do these relationships below
reveal? Consider gender roles,
historical context, parental/societal
expectations…
Laertes and Ophelia
Polonius and Laertes
Polonius and Ophelia

10. Act I, Scene iii Reread Polonius’s advice to Laertes. Translate
his advice into Modern English (IN YOUR OWN
WORDS!!! Not from No Fear Shakespeare).
Then think about the following questions:
Do you agree with his advice? Explain.
What is Polonius’ concern for his daughter? How is his advice similar to Laertes’ advice?
Do you agree with their concerns? Explain.

11. Act I, Scene iv Hamlet, Horatio and the Watchmen meet the Ghost
The question of the Ghost and his intentions:
“Spirit of Health or Goblin Damned”?
What do you think so far—is he trustworthy? Why?

12. Act I, Scene V—Consider these things
Hamlet and the Ghost
The meeting
The instructions for Hamlet: Punish Claudius, Leave Gertrude alone
Feigned or real insanity? An “antic disposition”? Why? (Revisit the text)
Hamlet’s reaction…