Act+One+Scene+3,4,5+and+Act+Two+Scene+1,2,

Act 1, Scene 3

Laertes gets ready to leave for France. He warns Ophelia that falling in love with Hamlet is a bad idea. He is of a higher birth than her and he has too many responsibilities so it will be hard for them to marry. She agrees to be careful but tells him not to be a hypocrit. Polonius also enters to tell his son goodbye before he leaves. He gives Laertes advice. Laertes leaves and Polonius and Ophelia once again talk about Hamlet. Polonius gives the same advice as Laertes.

Act 1, Scene 4

Hamlet is watching outside the castle with Horatio and Marcellus for the ghost. The ghost motions for Hamlet to follow, and against the advice of his friends Hamlet follows. Horatio and Marcellus talk and decide to follow Hamlet in order to protect him.

Act 1, Scene 5

Hamlet says that he will not go any futher and finally the ghost starts to speak. The ghost confesses that he is the spirit of Hamlet's father and that he has been murdered by the current King. He disapproves of both his brother and his wife for their actions following his death. He says that Claudius killed him using poison. He tells Hamlet to avenge him and when the ghost leaves Horatio and Marcellus enter. Hamlet makes them promise not to tell anyone that they saw a ghost.

Act 2, Scene 1

Polonius sends someone to find out how his son is doing in France. He tells the man to go to where Laertes is and see the reaction of the people after talking negatively about him. Ophelia enters and tells her father that she saw Hamlet and he looked terrible. They think that he simply feels rejected.

Act 2, Scene 2 The King and the queen think Hamlet has gone insane. The ambassador of Norway comes to the castle and informs the King that Norway will not invade Denmark. Polonius tries talking to Hamlet and when it doesn't work he comes to the conclusion that Hamlet is crazy too. The players arrive and Hamlet asks for more favors. They agree to follow his orders.

Does Hamlet really love Ophelia? There isn't anything so far about him declaring his feelings for her. Does she really love him? If yes then why is she so accepting of her father and brothers criticism?
 * Ask questions about the scene. Has anything in the scene caused you confusion? OR Ask one of the characters in the scene a question.**

I can clearly see the difference between Laertes and Hamlet. Especially in the scene where Laertes is leaving for France, the reader can see the family bond that exists between Laertes, Polonius and Ophelia. Polonius gives his son fatherly advice for the trip that Laertes is about to take to France. On the other hand, Hamlet doesn't take charge of his responsibilities. He doesn't feel threatened that someone else has taken the throne that is rightfully is and just mourns. He doesn't have a close family relationship with any of the other characters yet.
 * Talk about the relationships characters have to one another, quoting specific words or phrases to give evidence for your opinion.**

Horatio or Marcellus: "Should we follow him? The GODS will know about this! This is bad. This is bad bad bad. Something bad is going to happen to the state I just know it! I can't believe he would follow the ghost..and alone! Okay let's go! **Walking** Why does he look so terrible? What could have happened? I knew nothing good would come of this. He should have listened to us. Going after a ghost is never a good idea. I wonder what the ghost said to him. Is the host really the former King? Why is he back? Did something happen? Why won't he tell us what the ghost said?! Hmm..I wonder...
 * Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters. Get inside that character’s mind. Tell how the character feels about herself, about other characters, about the situation of the scene.**