Scenes in this act
- Scene I The sentinels see the Ghost
On the battlements of Elsinore castle, at midnight, Bernardo arrives to relieve the guard Francisco, who thanks him and says he is sick at heart.
- Scene II The court and Hamlet's mourning
In the Throne Room, Claudius, brother of the dead king and now on the throne, makes his first address.
- Scene III Advice to Laertes and Ophelia
About to embark for France, Laertes warns his sister Ophelia that Prince Hamlet’s interest in her is as passing as a violet of youth, and that a prince does not choose for himself, because the security of the State depends on his choice.
- Scene IV Hamlet follows the Ghost
Near midnight, on the icy battlements, Hamlet, Horatio and Marcellus hear trumpets and two cannon shots.
- Scene V The revelation and the oath
Away from his friends, Hamlet forces the Ghost to speak.
Reading the act
Analysis
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