Shortly thereafter, a ghost has appeared to guards on nightly watch as well as Hamlet’s good friend, Horatio, who thinks the spirit has a likeness to the former King Hamlet. When prompted to speak by Horatio, the ghost will not. Horatio asks Hamlet to wait for the ghost and see if it will speak to him. The ghost of his father beckons Hamlet to follow him and reveals that his brother Claudius poisoned him in the ear. Hamlet vows to avenge his father’s murder.
Meanwhile, Laertes, son to the King’s advisor Polonius is set to return to France. Before he leaves, he tells Ophelia, his sister, to be weary of Hamlet’s affections towards her. Polonius gives Laertes advice on how to act abroad and orders Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet.
Hamlet’s sanity begins to be questioned by all. Claudius and Gertrude are both concerned; Polonius suggests it is Ophelia’s rejection of his advances. Claudius and Polonius decide to spy on Hamlet and Ophelia. Claudius further employs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two childhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him further. Hamlet quickly realizes their intentions.
Second Quarto cover page of Hamlet
Second Quarto cover page of Hamlet
A troupe of players happens to be in town and Hamlet utilizes