Act 1, Scenes 4-5

     In these 2 scenes, Hamlet finally speaks with the ghost and then speaks with his friends about his recent encounter. At the very beginning of scene 4, Hamlet stands alongside his friends while Claudius takes part in a boisterous and drunken celebration. Despite the danish tradition of drinking, Hamlet is embarrassed of Claudius's behavior. His feelings towards Claudius seem very normal. First, Claudius had just recently told him that the death of his father was something he had to accept and get over. This advice is not only harsh, but the fact that it is coming from the man now replacing his father is definitely upsetting to hear. 

       For some reason, I found myself rooting for the Hamlet men here, dead or alive. The way the ghost is portrayed makes it hard to view Hamlet as crazy. Usually, when I'm reading there's an image in mind. While reading Hamlets conversation with the ghost, it was not a ghost I imagined, but just a king. It just shows that if it was this easy for the reader to be swayed by this ghost, it must of been much easier for Hamlet.The ghost's realness made me want him to seek vengeance on Claudius. I thought it was strange that Hamlet's friends were so against him initially following the ghost, but when he returns they are dying to hear the news. I don't know why I personally feel the ghost is so credulous. It also struck me how quick Hamlet was to follow the ghost. With everything he delays decisions, but follows the ghost immediately and against the request of his friends. Right after his return though, he spends a great deal of time and detail in making his friends swear on his sword to keep quiet about the ghost. He treats his friends almost in a childish manner by talking down to them and repeating himself.