ACT+1+-+1,2

EDEN + BRITT DAN FRAN

__**Summary**__ //**Scene 1**//

The scene begins on a calm night, where night-guard, Francisco, guards over King Claudius’ palace in Elsinore, the capital of Old Denmark. He is soon relieved of his duty by fellow night-guard Bernardo. Before Francisco departs for the night, both guards are greeted by Marcellus, another guard, and Horatio, a scholar. Francisco leaves soon after, while Bernardo, Marcellus, and Horatio keep watch. During prior guard duties, Bernardo and Marcellus claimed to see the ghost of the recently deceased, old King Hamlet. On this dark night, they requested that Horatio join them in order to confirm their sightings. Horatio, who is at first, quite skeptical, confirms the presence of the ghost, after it appears twice before them, rattling all three men. The ghost appears sad and in full armor, which is perceived by Horatio, to be a warning of impeding misfortune for Denmark. This misfortune is assumed to come from an anticipated war against Norway. Horatio suggests that the most effective approach to the pending situation is to inform the ghost’s son, Prince Hamlet. Though the ghost chose not to speak to the guards or Horatio, the scholar assumes that if the ghost is truly the deceased King, he will have no hesitation in speaking to his very own son. Believed to be the only way to find out whether or not dangers from Norway are incoming, Horatio promises he will speak to Prince Hamlet and the scene comes to an end.

__**Scene 2**__

This scene takes place in the courtyard where Claudius is taking on royal duties for the first time. While performing such duties, he informs the courtiers that although the royals have been faced with tragedy of death, Denmark’s mourning has been counteracted by the joyous marriage of Claudius and the old Queen, deceased Hamlet’s wife, Gertrude. Among sharing this with the courtiers, he also informs them that he has the situation with Norway under control, by sending messengers to speak with the uncle of Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway. He is soon approached by Laertes, the son of the King’s hand, Polonius, who requests permission to return to France to continue his studies. Claudius grants Laertes permission, but denies Hamlet the same such privilege. He does not allow Hamlet to return to England for his studies because he seems ashamed of Hamlets prolonged mourning. Claudius mocks Hamlet for his sadness and brings his masculinity into question. He exclaims that “all father’s die” and that Hamlet should begin to see Claudius as his own father. Gertrude supports her husbands decision, professing a desire for Hamlet to remain close to her. The crowd exits, and Hamlet is left alone where he discusses his deep depression on account of his fathers death and his mother’s hasty marriage to his uncle. Horatio, followed by Marcellus and Bernardo then enter and inform Hamlet of their observation of his father’s ghost, to which he agrees to keep watch with them that evening, in hopes he will be able to speak to his deceased father.

__**Questions**__
 * 1) What is the significance of the ghost’s attire?
 * 2) Why, specifically, is Horatio’s presence important for confirming the sighting?
 * 3) How do the King and Queen react to Hamlet’s mourning?
 * 4) What are Hamlet’s reasons for being depressed?
 * 5) In your opinion, does the marriage of Gertrude and Claudius truly balance out the death of the beloved old King? Why?

=__**Creative Component**__=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ag5xfdPO1c

Keeping guard, european setting, ghosts? Sound familiar?