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HAMLET: ESSAY ON ACT ONE
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. All 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 on the reader. Bernardo, and Francisco are introduced in the first scene, as officers watching their posts, but it is Horetio that leaves the greatest impression, as he is described as a well educated scholar, and seems to have great importance to the development of the play. In scene II, Claudious, the present King of Denmark is introduced. He is the uncle of Hamlet, and just so happens to be masrried to Hamlet’s mother, creating a definate first impression. Hamlet is aslo introduced, and the impression perceived is one of a troubled individual, who is grieving his father’s death, and is angry at his mother for marrying his uncle Claudious. Ophelia, Hamlet’s girlfriend, and the daughter of Polonious is introduced in scene III. She is described as a rather affectionate, but rather docile individual. All throughout act one, Hamlet’s dead father’s ghost keeps appearing, but does not speak until scene five, where it tells Hamlet to avenge his death, and to kill his uncle Claudious. This describes Claudious’s character, of a cold blooded murderer, and leaves a vivid picture of what the ghost of King Hamlet, looks like, as a supernatural being. This ploy for Hamlet to avenge his father’s wrongful death, leads into the idea of a revenge plot. Shakespeare develops several plots in acThis is ONLY a preview of the article. If you would like to view the entire document, you must subscribe to Electronic References. Please register below now! Get This Full Article After Registration
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