Plot Development
What event introduces the central conflict in the play
What does Horatio's reaction to the ghost show about his character
He was initially skeptical and did not believe the ghost was real until he had proof showing him to be rational and not superstitious
The ghost's resemblance to the dead king develops this motif of things not being as they seem
What is appearance vs. reality
What imagery is used to describe Denmarks corruption
Denmark is described with disease and drunkenness
He announces his marriage to Gertrude(Hamlet's mother), which sets up tension between him and Hamlet
This character decides to tell Hamlet before anyone else about the ghost, showing loyalty and concern.
Who is Horatio
Claudius's rise to power highlights this theme involving corruption
what is moral corruption
This cold, dark location where the ghost appears creates a tense and ominous mood
What are the battlements of Elsinore Castle?
What does king hamelt reveal about his at the end of act one
King claudius murdered him
How does Hamlet's meeting with the ghost change his opinions about Claudius
After meeting the ghost and finding out it was claudius that murder his father hamlet went from just disliking claudius for marrying his mother, to wanting to kill him and seek revenge
Laertes' giving advice he doesn't fully follow reflects this theme
what is hypocrisy
The appearance of this supernatural figure symbolizes unrest in Denmark
What is the Ghost of King Hamlet
What notable figure did king hamlet kill while he was still alive
the king of norway
How is Laertes characterized through his advice to Ophelia
He warns his sister about Hamlet’s intentions and emphasizes protecting his mistrust in hamlets intentions, showing his character as controlling over his sister
Hamlet's speech about Denmark's poor reputation highlights this theme
What is national corruption
The ghost’s armour symbolizes this unresolved issue from the past
What is the threat of war with Norway
Why was King Hamlet sent to purgatory and not heaven or hell
he had not repented for his sins before he died
How is Claudius's character exposed after his monologue
He presents himself as a capable and diplomatic ruler, but his speech reveals his manipulation and self serving efforts to have control, further developing hamlets hate for him
The ghost's commands to hamlet introduce this central theme of the play
what is revenge
Hamlet’s description of the world as “weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable” uses imagery to suggest his mental state
What is depression or hopelessness