Act 1 Scene 1
A gun platform on the battlements of Elsinore Castle
Enter BARNARDO and FRANCISCO, two sentinels
BARNARDO Who's there?
FRANCISCO Nay answer me. Stand and unfold yourself.
BARNARDO Long live the king!
FRANCISCO Barnardo?
BARNARDO He.
FRANCISCO You come most carefully upon your hour.
BARNARDO ‘Tis now struck twelve, get thee to bed Francisco.
FRANCISCO For this relief much thanks, ‘tis bitter cold And I am sick at heart.
BARNARDO Have you had quiet guard?
FRANCISCO Not a mouse stirring.
BARNARDO Well, good night.
If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,
The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste.
FRANCISCO I think I hear them.
Enter HORATIO and MARCELLUS
Stand ho! Who is there?
HORATIO Friends to this ground.
MARCELLUS And liegemen to the Dane.
FRANCISCO Give you good night.
FRANCISCO Oh farewell honest soldier,
Who hath relieved you?
FRANCISCO Barnardo hath my place.
Give you good night. Exit Francisco
MARCELLUS Holla, Barnardo!
BARNARDO Say,
What, is Horatio there?
HORATIO A piece of him.
Marcellus reports that he and Barnardo have seen the Ghost twice. Horatio doesn't believe them, but is struck with fear and amazement when the Ghost of Hamlet's father appears.
Horatio's thoughts and feelings change (in pairs)
Horatio doesn't believe Marcellus's story, but then sees the Ghost with his own eyes. Horatio speaks five times on the opposite page. Talk together about the tone of his voice each time he speaks. Speak the lines to each other in an appropriate style. Afterwards, write down the range of emotions and attitudes that Horatio displays.
‘Enter GHOST’ – dead King Hamlet appears (in pairs)
The entry of the Ghost of Hamlet's father is a thrilling moment in the theatre. Each new production attempts to ensure that the entry is as electrifying and memorable as possible. Talk together and write notes on each of the following:
a What does the Ghost look like? Horatio gives a clue in lines 47–9 (and see the pictures in the colour section and on pp. 10, 26 and 146).
b Suggest how the Ghost might enter. Slowly or suddenly? From which direction? Decide whether he makes any gestures, what sound effects you might use, and how he leaves the stage.
c Sometimes, as the Ghost appears, the bell strikes. Would you have it strike if you were directing the play? Why? Or why not?