HAMLET: ESSAY ON ACT ONE
Act one of HAMLET is an excellent introductory act. Shakespeare
establishes atmosphere, by introducing the major characters, the role of the
supernatural, the revenge plot, the love plot, and the contrast of the Fortinbras plot,
as well as Hamlet's fiegned madness. Through his unique writing style,
Shakespeare sets us up for the rest of the story, and captures the reader's attention,
making him want read more.
Shakespeare establishes the atmosphere of the play, in scene I. The
scene takes place in Elsinore, on a platform before the castle. The atmosphere is
one of dark battlements, and nervous sentries, which catches the audiences attention
right away. As the bell tolls twelve on a frosty night, a silent ghost of the late King
Hamlet apperars twice. This provides one of the high points of the scene, along
with this, Shakespeare presents the reader with information, regarding the military
preparations in Denmark.
David Garrick in Hamlet, I, 4
Book signing and Hamlet Au's interview with Julian...
HamletAll of this provides for a dark, mysterious atmosphere,
where the reader is wanting to know more. Shakesperare continues to establish
atmosphere in scene III. In this scene, atmosphere of a diferent kind is created.
This scene is a family scene, in which brotherly, and fatherly advice creates an
atmosphere quite different from that of the appearance of the ghost and the
problems of Hamlet and his relatives. This creates an atmosphere of love, and
betrayall, whereby Ophelia is forced to obey her father Polonious, and is told to be
careful with Hamlet, as he is a prince, and will not look to marry just anyone, such
as herself. Shakespeare continues to develop atmosphere throughout the act, and
uses the atmosphere to introduce some of the characters in the play.
Shakespeare introduces some of the major characters in the play, and
leaves lasting impressions of each...