Essay about Scenes in Shakespeares Hamlet - 653 Words

When one reflects on the questions they are asked in life, one of the most thought provoking questions is â€Å"what is your favorite movie?† Though a trivial question, one constantly finds oneself baffled trying to think of a movie in which they can truly say is their favorite. Once one comes up with an answer to this question, the preceding question is â€Å"why?† What is it that truly makes a movie great? One can argue the characters, or the story line that makes the movie great. But ultimately it is the memorable scenes in which make the movie ones favorite. It is the scenes that truly stand out above the other components of a movie or play. For this reason, numerous writers emphasize one or two scenes in which stand out from all the rest. This†¦show more content†¦Shakespeare utilizes the first act as the exposition act. In Hamlet one of the most important scenes occurs in the exposition act; act 1 scene 1. The play opens with Francisco and Bernard on top of a guard platform on the Elsinore castle gossiping about a ghost in which they have seen the past couple of nights. Francisco and Bernard have seen the ghost, while Horatio has not. Therefore Horatio questions the existence of the ghost and tells Francisco and Bernard to â€Å"Tush, tush, ’twill not appear† (Shakespeare 49) Horatio is hesitant to believe that such a ghost exists until the Horatio sees the ghost for the first time. As Horatio sees the ghost for the first time, he is initially frightened by the resemblance of the ghost to the appearance of King Hamlet. The similarity of the appearance makes the guards curious of whom in fact the ghost is. To find out, Marcellus asks Horatio to speak to the ghost. Horatio therefore â€Å"†¦[charges] thee, speak† (Shakespeare 50). However the ghost does not follow Horatio’s command, remains mysteriously silent, and eventually leaves the scene. Left confused, Horatio starts to fear the ghost. At the cl imax of Horatio’s fear, the ghost re-enters the scene causing Horatio to react by screaming â€Å"Stay, illusion! If thou hast any sound or use of voice, speak to me!† (Shakespeare 53). At this exact moment Horatio believes in the existence of the ghost. This is important to the characterization of Horatio because the audience learns thatShow MoreRelatedPresentation of Hamlet in Act 2 Scene 2 and 3 in William Shakespeares Hamlet663 Words   |  3 PagesPresentation of Hamlet in Act 2 Scene 2 and 3 in William Shakespeares Hamlet It is hard to determine the intentions of William Shakespeare when he wrote Hamlet without looking at the social, historical and ethical context in which it was conceived. From the cover notes found within the Longman Literature edition, we can deduce that it is Shakespeares most well known play and, written during the year 1602, it was one of his later works. At this time, revenge was aRead MoreAct 1 Scene 1 of William Shakespeares Hamlet Essay625 Words   |  3 PagesAct 1 Scene 1 of William Shakespeares Hamlet On the battlements of Castle Elsinore, Bernardo arrives to relieve Francisco of his watch. Horatio and Marcellus arrive and greet Francisco. They talk of the ghost they have seen ‘this apparition’. Marcellus has invited Horatio to come and see the ghost for himself. Shakespeare immediately sets the scene, which will be prevalent throughout the whole play, which is concerned with what is truth and whatRead MoreAct 3 Scene 4 of William Shakespeares Hamlet Essay1173 Words   |  5 PagesAct 3 Scene 4 of William Shakespeares Hamlet It is tempting to condemn Gertrude as evil, but it is probably more sensible to consider her as weak and inconstant. But when have tragedy plays ever been sensible? 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