... opening scene of Hamlet Shakespeare introduces us to vital background information that evokes the action of the main plot. The action begins when Marcellus asks the others "has this thing appear"d again tonight?" and Bernardo replies that he has seen nothing. Just as Bernardo starts to describe his visions the apparition appears. Bernardo notes that the ghost is "In the same figure ... , with his life, all those lands/ Which he stood seized of, to the conqueror" and now young Fortinbras plans to reclaim the Norwegian lands his late father lost to king Hamlet. Bernardo replies if it is re...

• Word Count: 466
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate