Hamlet

            
             The play's setting, Hamlet, takes place in Elsinore castle. It is late and Francisco, a guard is on duty. As Francisco waits on Bernardo, another guard to relief him of duty, Francisco becomes nervous because the previous two nights he and Bernardo have seen a figure which appears to be the ghost of the recently deceased king. As Horatio and Bernardo approach Francisco the ghost appears before them, which puts Horatio's in a state of surprise. Because Horatio is a student, the guards urge Horatio to speak with the ghost. The guards feel Horatio should be able to communicate with the ghost because they were unsuccessful in their previous attempt to make contact with the ghost. The scene ends with Horatio stating that he will go and inform his friend Hamlet of these incredible events. Hamlet, the main character of the play is depressed as a result of present circumstances in his life. It has been only two months since his father died, and he is still in mourning for his father's death. Also he is upset because the new king, Claudius, is celebrating his recent wedding to his new wife, Gertrude. Claudius" new bride is Hamlet's mother, Gertrude and Claudius is also related to Hamlet, he is Hamlet's uncle and is now his step-father and Gertrude's brother-in-law is now her husband. Hamlet's mother married Claudius very soon after becoming a widow. Back to the events of the mysterious ghost sitting; Horatio, Marcellus and Bernardo enter the castle and talk with Hamlet about the ghost they have seen. Hamlet agrees to join them this coming night to see the ghost for him. Hamlet makes the decision with his mother's request to stay in Denmark and not return to school. While they wait for the ghost, Laertes, (Hamlet lover's brother) is saying his goodbyes to his sister Ophelia (Hamlet's lover), before he leaves for school. Leartes, who knows about his sister's suitor, tries to warn Ophelia that because Hamlet is destined to become King, he can never be serious in his relationship with her.