Characters in Scene:
Barnado and Francisco – Guards of Castle
Ghost of the King of Norway
Horatio – Prince Hamlet’s friend
Marcellus – Change over guard
Summary of Scene:
The scene takes place in a castle in Denmark which is preparing for war. Barnado and Francisco are currently guarding the castle, they are about to change with two other guards (Marcellus). Francisco exits and bid goodnight, then Barnado welcomes Horatio and Marcellus.
Suspense starts to build up
Marcellus starts to feel a presence around the castle. The ghost then enters.
Marcellus, Horatio and Bernardo are shocked and begin to question the ghosts presence. Barnado are Marcellus in particular are pushing Horatio to question the ghost. The ghost then becomes offended and exits.
The characters then discuss what has just happened and the ghost presence.
Horatio then remarks that the ghost wore the same amour as the king, giving the idea that the ghost was the dead king.
Marcellus then tells us that the ghost has done this twice before at the exact same time of night.
Horatio then tells us that he has a general idea that this means bad news for the country. *
All the characters then discuss that idea on the ghost presence and then the ghost enters for one last time.
The Ghost spreads his arms and ask about the fate of the country and what will happen to the citizens
A Rooster then enters to add excitement to the scene, Shakespeare uses this to excite the audience after the long communication between all the characters in the scene.
Marcellus, Horatio and Barnado then go to attack the rooster and the ghost exits.
Barnado then explains that the ghost was going to say something when the rooster enters.
Horatio then realizes that the ghost acted startled when the rooster enters, as if he is guilty of something and has just been caught by the law.
Marcellus then says that he knows where he will find him tomorrow
All the characters exit and the scene ends
* When the king or Queen dies, it is a sign of bad things to come as the gods are not pleased with something that has happened in the country previously.
React!