Hamlet Act 1 Summary

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The act starts off with Polonius talking with Reynaldo. It turns out the Polonius wants Reynaldo to go to Paris in order to spy on his son Laertes. Polonius want Reynaldo to ask for Laertes in order to find out more about the reputation that he has made for himself in Paris. It even seems that Polonius is suggesting Reynaldo to lie in order get to Laertes. When Polonius finally sends Reynaldo off, Ophelia enters and seems scared. It turns out that she had encountered Hamlet who had appeared mad, pale, and in a terrible shape before her. Polonius asks Ophelia if she has been rejecting Hamlet has he had commanded. It seems that Ophelia has been rejecting Hamlet and Polonius concludes that Hamlet’s odd behavior is caused by his love for Ophelia. …show more content…

In the next scene the King is welcoming Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two good friends of Hamlet over. The King asks the two gentlemen if they are able to spy on Hamlet for him. The Queen seems to agree with the King and assures Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will be compensated. As they exit, Polonius enters to tell the King that the ambassadors of Norway, Voltimand and Cornelius, have arrived. Voltimand and Cornelius bring news that the Uncle of young Fortinbras has been able to calm down his nephew from trying to invade Denmark. Polonius decides to speak to the King about Hamlet when the ambassadors leaver. Polonius then reads a love that he took away from Ophelia that was given to her by Hamlet. Polonius then starts explaining to the King that he ordered Ophelia to reject Hamlet and that that could be the cause of his changed character. Polonius comes up with the plan to hide behind the tapestry while Ophelia and Hamlet talk in order to see if he is right. Hamlet enters and has a talk with Polonius until Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter the scene. They greet each other and Hamlet asks them for the purpose of their

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