Hamlet

Hamlet Summary | Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

It is bitter cold. Outside a castle in Elsinore, Denmark, Bernardo, an officer in the King's service, reports promptly to Francisco, who is on watch, at his post. He tells Francisco to go to bed. Before he does, Marcellus and Horatio approach them. Marcellus asks Bernardo if the "thing" has appeared again during his watch. Bernardo says Marcellus has brought Horatio to confirm what they have seen. Just as they are about to relate their story to Horatio, the Ghost appears. Horatio confirms it looks like the recently deceased King when he, in full armor, battled Norway. But when questioned, the Ghost vanishes. When the Ghost returns, Horatio tries again, but it disappears with the cock's crow. Bernardo says it was about to speak. Horatio will now tell Prince Hamlet.