Hamlet Act 1 Study Questions

Act 1, Scene 1:

1) Who are the characters present in this scene?

2) What is the significance of the ghost's appearance?

3) How does the atmosphere in this scene set the tone for the play?

4) What are the guards' reactions to the ghost?

5) What do the guards decide to do after encountering the ghost?

Act 1, Scene 2:

1) Who is now king of Denmark?

2) How does Hamlet feel about his mother's marriage to Claudius?

3) What is Hamlet's reaction to the news of the ghost?

4) What does Claudius say about the late King Hamlet's death?

5) Why does Laertes ask for Claudius's permission to leave?

Act 1, Scene 3:

1) Who are Laertes and Ophelia, and what is their relationship?

2) What advice does Laertes give to Ophelia about Hamlet?

3) What is Polonius's opinion on Hamlet's love for Ophelia?

4) What does Polonius tell Ophelia to do regarding Hamlet?

5) How does Ophelia react to her brother's and father's advice?

Act 1, Scene 4:

1) Where does this scene take place?

2) What does the ghost's appearance signify to Hamlet?

3) How does Hamlet react to the ghost?

4) What does Hamlet think about the state of Denmark?

5) How do Horatio and Marcellus feel about Hamlet following the ghost?

Act 1, Scene 5:

1) What does the ghost reveal to Hamlet?

2) What does the ghost want Hamlet to do?

3) How does Hamlet respond to the ghost's request?

4) What does the ghost say about Gertrude?

5) How does this encounter with the ghost affect Hamlet's state of mind?