Hamlet: Analysis of Scene Act I, Scene V

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

William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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