12/1 Hamlet #13A

Opening Scene
The opening scene of Hamlet sets the mood for the supernatural, quiet, intense mood of the play. Hamlet opens with Bernardo and Francisco changing guard while on watch at the palace. Not only does Horatio's explanation of the tumultuous state of Denmark add a gloomy feel to the scene, but so does the mood Shakespeare sets. It is a cold, silent, haunted night. He describes it as (in line 7) "bitter cold," and (in line 10) so quiet that "not a mouse [was] stirring," during that "dead hour," (line 65). The perfect night for a ghostly appearance. This mood sets the tone for the entire play, including Hamlet's and his comrade's encounter with the ghost of his father, the king. While Hamlet gives no thought to what the motive of the ghost may be, Horatio fears that ghost may just be a malevolent spirit wishing to lure the prince off to an untimely and dramatic death. This fear that Horatio and the other have is understandable considering the mood if the night. Ominous, spooky air would give one pause when intending to follow ghosts.

The Ghost
When Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father, two things are clear: he was murdered for the crown and that murderer was his own incestuous brother. The Ghost, while he identifies himself as the estranged spirit of the king, still speaks of the king's life and death in third person. He shows an un-connectedness to the world around him. The ghost shows no emotion at the sight of seeing his son nor at the mention of his horrid fate after death. The ghost's only focus is the events of his death and the task in which he gives Hamlet. His request is unquestionable, "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder," (line 25). Hamlet is, naturally, surprised at the ghost's identity and understandably horrified at the circumstances surrounding his death and his uncle's seduction of the king. While he is shocked though, and possibly uncertain of the truth, Hamlet is determined to fulfill the Ghost's request. He even says, "Now to my word [... Uncle,] Adieu, adieu! [...] I have sworn't," (line 110) This seems to be an allusion to his goal of fulfilling the Ghost's task by murdering his uncle.