Hamlet essay Act 1

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 milit...