Advances the Plot

  • “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder”  (act i, v, 25)
    • Learns of his father’s death
      • Murdered by his uncle
    • Learning this Hamlet wishes to avenge his father

Links Incidents in the Plot

  • “With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts,-
  • wicket wit and gifts, that have the power
    • So to seduce!- won to his shameful lust
    • The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen;” (act i, v, 44-47)
    • Links:
      • Murder of King Hamlet
      • New Marriage

Develops Suspense

  • Suspense of the moment
  • “So art thou to revenge, when thou  shalt hear.”  (act i, v, 8)
  • “Swear!” (act i, v, 83)
    • Attention grabbing
    • Chilling
    • Suspense for the future
    • “Taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive” (act i, v, 86)
    • Foreshadowing

Provides Motivation for a Later Incident in the Plot

  • “O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!” (act i, v, 7)
  • “Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother’s hand Of life, of crown, of queen, at once despatch’d;” (act i, v, 75-76)
    • The knowledge of the murder and warnings
    • Foreshadowing
    • Motivation to avenge the murder

Presents Useful Information

  • “Brief let me be. Sleeping within mine orchard, My custom always in the afternoon, Upon my secure hour  thy uncle stole, With juice cursed hebenon in a vial,” (act i, v, 60-64)
  • Information:
    • King Hamlets murder
    • Uncles true nature
    • Previous affairs between the Queen and new King

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