Hamlet- Act 1- Summary
- Hamlet begins in Denmark with the news that King Hamlet of Denmark has recently died. Denmark is preparing for possible war with Young Fortinbras of Norway.
- A ghost resembling the late King Hamlet is spotted on a platform before Elsinore. King Claudius, the dead king’s brother, has taken King Hamlet's wife, Queen Gertrude as his new wife and Queen of Denmark. Young Hamlet distrusts Claudius.
- Hamlet explains that he does not like his mother marrying the next King of Denmark so quickly within a month of his father's death.
- Laertes warns Ophelia not to fall in love with Young Hamlet. Polonius tells his daughter Ophelia not to return Hamlet's affections for her since he fears Hamlet is only using her. Hamlet meets the Ghost of his father, King Hamlet and follows it to learn more.
- Hamlet learns from the Ghost that he was poisoned by Claudius, and is asked to avenge his death but not to punish Queen Gertrude for remarrying. Hamlet swears Horatio and Marcellus to silence over Hamlet meeting the Ghost.