Act I, Scene I – The Ghost Appears
$100: Who first sees the ghost on the battlements?
Bernardo and Marcellus
$100: Who is Claudius, and why is his role controversial?
He is Hamlet’s uncle who has married Queen Gertrude right after King Hamlet’s death
$100: What advice does Laertes give Ophelia about Hamlet?
That Hamlet’s love may not be real and she should protect her virtue
$100: What does the ghost reveal to Hamlet?
That Claudius murdered King Hamlet by pouring poison in his ear
$100: Who is sent by Claudius and Gertrude to spy on Hamlet?
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
$200: Who do the guards call to verify what they’ve seen?
Horatio
$200: What advice does Claudius give Hamlet about mourning?
To stop grieving, accept death as natural, and think of him as a father
$200: How does Polonius respond to Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet?
He orders her to stop seeing Hamlet
$200: What does the ghost want Hamlet to do?
Avenge his death by killing Claudius
200: Why does Polonius believe Hamlet is mad?
He thinks it is because Ophelia rejected him
$300: What is the ghost wearing, and why is it significant?
Armor from when he fought Norway—reminds them of King Hamlet’s past wars
$300: Where does Claudius send Cornelius and Voltemand?
To Norway, to talk to the king about Fortinbras
$300: What advice does Polonius give Laertes before he leaves for France?
Be true to yourself, listen more than you speak, don’t borrow or lend money, etc.
$300: What warning does the ghost give about Queen Gertrude?
Leave her judgment to heaven do not harm her
$300: What plan does Polonius create to test his theory?
To spy on Hamlet while he talks to Ophelia
$400: Why do they think the ghost might have appeared?
To warn of war with Norway, or unsettled business in death
$400: What does Hamlet say about the world in his first soliloquy?
That it is “weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable” he wishes he could die
$400: What does Ophelia agree to do about Hamlet?
Obey her father and avoid Hamlet
$400: How does Hamlet make Horatio and Marcellus swear secrecy?
He makes them swear on his sword, with the ghost’s voice reinforcing it
$400: What news do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern bring back to the king?
That Hamlet is disturbed, but they don’t know why—though he seemed interested in the players/actors
$500: What happens when Horatio tries to speak to the ghost?
The ghost disappears without speaking
$500: Why is Hamlet upset with his mother?
Because she married Claudius so quickly after King Hamlet’s death
$500: What does this scene show about women’s position in society?
That they are expected to obey male authority and protect their honor above all else
$500: What plan does Hamlet announce after speaking with the ghost?
To act “mad” as a disguise while he plots revenge.
$500: What does Hamlet plan to use the players for?
To perform a play that reenacts his father’s murder, to test Claudius’ guilt