Hamlet's First Soliloquy

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Pages: 5

The play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare was most famous for his soliloquy which started with "To be or not to be; that is the question". William Shakespeare was known as the greatest English poet, playwright, and actor. Most of his playwrights were created by what others critique as the same work he has done during his career. Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's longest play and was the most influential tragedies in English literature.

In the beginning of Act I, Scene I, it starts with one officer by the name of Francsico who is on duty on a dark cold winter night, outside Elsinore Castle in Denmark. He is then joined by another officer by the name of Bernardo who startles him at first. After many hours, Francisco is cold and exhausted
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However, before leaving he gives his farewell to his sister Ophelia but also warns her about falling in love with Hamlet. He gives advice to his little sister that she is too young for Hamlet and she should wait for someone who will be able to love her honorably. Ophelia agrees to keep her brother's advice as a "watchman" close to her heart but she also confronts him telling him to take his own advice when he preaches. Polonius also preaches to his son with wise words advising him to hold on to true friends and slowly embrace when it comes to making new friends; to listen before he talks; to dress more richly but not over-bright; to avoid borrowing or lending money; and finally the most important part, being true to himself. After he left, Polonius asked his daughter what advice Laertes has given her and she states that he was talking about Lord Hamlet. She also confirms to her father that Hamlet claims that he loves her. Polonius forbids her to stay away from Hamlet and cut all ties of their relationship and Ophelia of course agrees and obeys her …show more content…
It is dark and cold as they await for the ghost to appear. After midnight, there were gunfire and loud entertainment from the castle as Claudius, the new king, is celebrating and enjoying himself just by having a good time. However, Hamlet doesn't approve this new "custom" that the king has created. Soon enough, the ghost appears and Hamlet tries to talk to it. The ghost gives Hamlet a gesture to follow him but he has doubt and his companions urge him not to go because the ghost might cause harm to him. Hamlet isn't sure if the king's spirit is real or just an evil demon trying to trick him but decides to follow it. Horatio and Marcellus are in total shock and don't know what to do. Marcellus suggested that they just follow Hamlet and the ghost to make sure nothing happens to Hamlet and protect him if anything were to