Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 5 summary
Act 1, Scene 5 of 20 · 7 min to read the scene
In Act 1, Scene 5, the Ghost identifies himself as Hamlet’s father and says Hamlet’s uncle poisons him, demanding revenge but forbidding harm to Hamlet’s mother. Hamlet pledges to remember him, keeps the accusation from Horatio and Marcellus, and demands secrecy about the encounter and any strange behavior he may adopt.
What happens
- The Ghost identifies himself as Hamlet’s father and demands revenge for his murder.
- He says his brother pours poison into his ears during sleep, taking his life, crown, and queen.
- The Ghost forbids Hamlet to act against his mother and departs as morning approaches.
- Hamlet pledges to remember the Ghost and writes down that a smiling person can be a villain.
- Hamlet withholds the revelation from Horatio and Marcellus and demands an oath of secrecy on his sword.
- The Ghost reinforces the oath from below, and Hamlet warns his companions that he may pretend madness.
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In this scene
What to notice
Hamlet treats the revelation as a duty to repair a broken world, but describes that responsibility as a curse.
Quick check
What limit does the Ghost place on Hamlet’s revenge?
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