Hire's Hamlet Log 1:4

Act 1, scene 4

There are many hints in this scene of something “rotten” yet to come. There is a lot of foreshadowing…

lines 74-75 “and my soul, what can it do to that?” We will see what happens to Hamlet’s soul.
Lines 80-86 “…assume some horrible form which might deprive your sovereignty of reason and draw you into madness?” The ghost may have something to say that will change your life forever and may jeopardize your kingly duties.
Line 91 “my fate cries out” He’s already talking about fate and he hasn’t seen the ghost’s face yet.
Line 100 “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” Ah yes…they just have a feeling that nothing good can come of this meeting between father and son…

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My first reaction to Hamlet throughout this scene is that he is so melodramatic! But I still love him. In his first speech he is ranting to Horatio and company about how he disapproves of his uncle’s carousing about and refuses to accept this “custom” (line 14) He's still brewing over his new father and his mother's betrayal...it seems...to his father and himself. He then talks about how power can ruin even the best of men…hmmm...more foreshadowing? His next speech, when he is musing over why the ghost has come goes on even more. He pleads to the ghost to enter and speak to him. “Let me not burst in ignorance!” So much emotion over still speculation. Finally, Hamlet's reaction to Horation and company after the ghost has left seems almost irrational. Why does he feel he can suddenly not trust his old freind(s)? The part about "offense" around line 150 is an example. It's Shakespeare playing with the language again...dramatic irony on Horatio and company's part...but also emphasizes the degree that this ghost has affected him. He believes this ghost whole-heartedly and will give up everything based on the knowledge of this offense that has occured.

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A lot is left up to fate in this scene. Hamlet speaks of his fate and believes the ghost has something to do with it. Also, when Hamlet leaves with the ghost, instead of stopping him, Horatio insists “let heaven direct it.” (Line 101) Is this something to say about the time period/belief system of Shakespeare’s day? Why is Horatio trying to protect Hamlet so forcefully? What is Hamlet's response to Horatio's pleas? Why such a heavy reliance on fate rather than man’s will? Can one control their own fate?