DRJ #1: Hamlet, Act I

When reading the first act of hamlet it brings back old feelings. Like when I read it in high school and had no idea what I was reading or the book talking about.  As for any connection with the character, it just isn’t there. It probably has to do with the language and the odd ways of “old theater”. The character that stands out the most in this scene is the ghost. It would be a character that is remembered in any play simply for the concept of itself. As we learn the ghost in shape resembles the dead king. As the guards see him they are terrified and curious at the same time. The ghost is a protagonist in this scene and draws all attention. This character does fit the description of the classic tragic hero. The ghost represents the tragedy that holds this whole play. The theme of the act is to create a wondering for the purpose of the ghost. Is the ghost evil, and does it come with vengeance? “For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death, Speak of it: stay, and speak! Stop it Marcellus” (138/39). All that is known is that it keeps coming every night for an unknown reason. They ghost will not speak to the guards or respond to them in any way. It is Ironic that Horatio would ask the ghost to speak of death even before he knew what the ghost wanted. As it turns out the ghost was there for the very reason. Why do you think Marcellus and Horatio both think the ghost will talk to Hamlet even though he would not talk to them?