Act 1 scene 2:
The scene takes place the morning after the ghost/apparition was sighted by the men. The king (Claudius) gives a speech, in which he explains the marriage between him and the queen (Gertrude), who is his the mother of Hamlet and the widow to his brother.
” with mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage , in equal scale weighing delight and dole—taken to wife .”
In this quote Claudius is saying that he has balanced the mourning with his marriage. Later on in the speech, Claudius mentions that the young Fortinbras sent him a letter demanding the land that Hamlet took back. Claudius then speaks to Laertes; in this dialogue he expresses his wish to return to France, where he lived before. His father Polonius, gives him permission to do so. The king speaks to Hamlet and asks him why he is still sad, as he is wearing black ‘mourning’ clothes. Hamlet answers this question after his mother makes a comment. Hamlet says that he cannot express the sorrow accurately and it is a poor reflection of what he was feeling . This is when the king says that the previous fathers of the kings have died, and it is right to mourn, but in this case it is too long. After the speech with the king Hamlet then talks to himself about how his mother had quickly married his uncle and barely had time to mourn/cry.
Horatio, Marcellus and Francisco walk in after his speech and tell him about the apparition, Hamlet agrees to speak to this apparition.
Act 1 Scene 3 :
Polonius’ son Laertes, prepares to go to France, saying goodbye to his sister, and warns her of the danger of falling in love with the prince Hamlet. He also says that it might be impossible for Hamlet to marry her as he is responsible , not just for her feelings, but also for his position in the state. Ophelia accepts this advice, but says that Laertes should not give advice he doesn’t follow. Laertes reassures her that he can take care of himself. Polonius, the father of both Ophelia and Laertes then enters.He tells Laertes to hurry, but delays him by giving him advice on how he should conduct himself in France.
“Give every man thy ear but few thy voice, take each mans censure but reserve thy judgement. costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, but not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy,for thy apparel oft proclaims the man, and they in France of the best rank and station are of the most select and generous chief in that. neither a borrower or a lender be , for loan both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. ”
This quote is saying that you should listen, but speak to few, hear every-bodies criticism or opinion, but keep yours to yourself, listen to everybody, but don’t talk to everybody, spend a good amount on clothes, but make sure they are of high quality, not flashy as in France this matters twice as much. Don’t borrow or lend money as you lose friendship and money. Polonius’ advice is good, not just to Laertes.
Polonius then goes on to speak to Ophelia and gives her advice, and tells her how Hamlet’s love is fake and repeats what Laertes said to her previously.He forbids her to associate with Hamlet after that speech .
Act 1 Scene 4 :
This scene takes place at night. Hamlet helps to keep watch outside with Horatio and Marcellus, waiting for the apparition to appear. Just after midnight, trumpets and cannons go off. Hamlet explains that it is the new king staying up getting drunk (on German wine) and parading around, or even dancing. He also says that is tradition in Denmark, but he thinks that it should not be done, because other countries criticise them for doing this. The apparition of his father then appears and beckons for Hamlet to follow it into the darkness. Horatio and Marcellus try to stop him, because they think it might lead him off a nearby cliff. Hamlet is unsure whether the ghost is his father or a devil. He also says he cares nothing for his life , and the apparition can do no harm. He follows it, Horatio and Marcellus quickly follow after him after having a short discussion.
React!