Hamlet Act 1 Response

[dambrose]

I think the most important scene in the first act is the third scene, where Laertes and Polonius talk to Ophelia about her love for Hamlet. This scene is filled with foreshadowing and emotion. It seems to be foreshadowing that Ophelia will disobey Laertes and Polonius even though she says, “I will obey, my lord” (pg. 28). This could set the tone for the rest of the story and bring about intense emotions between characters, thus forming tense relationships. It may even show corruption of characters within the story which is shown in the next scene when Hamlet finds out that his dad was murdered by his uncle (pg. 34). This single scene sets the stage for the rest of the story. Someone may say that the scene where Hamlet finds out his dad was murdered by his uncle was the most important scene, but that moment where Hamlet finds that out it is just information given to him that sets the plot. It does not give an in depth representation of what is to come later on the story like scene three does.
The third scene almost gives the story a Romeo and Juliet feel, because in the case of Romeo and Juliet they were advised not to be together. It is just like how Ophelia was advised not to be with Hamlet (pg. 28). This is also a driving factor in the belief intense relationships will form and venal events will occur. With the similarity of Romeo and Juliet it is a safe assumption to think that the relationships in Hamlet will be very similar to the relationships in Romeo and Juliet. The story of Romeo and Juliet may be able to give a little bit of insight of what is to come in Hamlet.

[Reaperx43]

I completely agree with you Ambrose. The foreshadowing of Ophelia disobeying her father and brother is definitely there. The relation to Romeo and Juliet is also there. Even though Hamlet does not have anyone urging him to stay away from Ophelia, Ophelia has two characters demanding that she avoid feelings and contact with Hamlet. Lord Polonius and Laertes don't trust Hamlet; the Capulets don't trust the Montegues. There may even be a death of one of the two (Hamlet and Ophelia) caused by them getting too close. Great response to Act 1 Devin!

[mbenoit]

In my opinion, the moment where Hamlet finds out his father's murderer is the most important scene. This moment was far more important than when Laertes and Polonius spoke with Ophelia. While this is an important scene, I believe that revelation of Hamlet Sr.'s murder will be more important later in the story. Hamlet already feels disdain toward Claudius for marrying his mother, so this information will further his hatred. When Claudius first speaks of Hamlet as his son and nephew Hamlet responds in a whispered aside, "A little more than kin and less than kind." (pg. 12). Hamlet was merely waiting for another reason to dislike Claudius, and this scene brings about this reason. I think that this scene will set the stage for the rest of the play. I predict that Hamlet will seek revenge for his father's death because of the information that was provided to him. Hamlet will now do everything possible to punish Claudius for his crime. The ghost repeatedly makes Hamlet swear that he will stop the evil doings that are happening in Denmark (pg. 41). Hamlet has sworn to his father's ghost that he will act upon the evil acts, so that effectively sets the stage for the rest of the play. The scene where Hamlet finds out who murdered his father is the most important scene so far because it helps Hamlet to determine his course of action for the rest of the play.

[jensen40]

I agree with your entire idea that Romeo and Juliet may be able to give a little insight of what is to come in Hamlet. The idea that Ophelia wants to be with Hamlet is just like how Juliet wanted to be with Romeo. With this, I also agree that relationships in Hamlet will be similar to those in Romeo and Juliet. I believe this because Polonius says, "This for all: I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth Have you slander any moment leisure As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet. Look to't, I charge you. Come your ways" (lines 131-135 Scene 4). Polonius was telling Ophelia not to spend any of her free time with Hamlet. Although Ophelia replied by saying, "I shall obey, my lord" (line 36), I believe her relationship with her father will no longer be strong. I believe this because she says, "He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders Of his affection to me" (line 99-100 Scene 3). She also says, "And hath given countenance to his speech, my lord, With almost all the holy vows of heaven" (Lines 11-114 Scene 3). Ophelia believes every word and vow that Hamlet says to her. She shows that she has fallen for what he says and wants to be with him. Even though she says she will obey her father, I believe she will go against him just like Juliet went against her entire family.