The audience observes the opening scene of Hamlet, where they see a man standing guard (Francisco) on the platform of the castle known as Elsinorea, at the dead of night.

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The audience observes the opening scene of Hamlet, where they see a man standing guard (Francisco) on the platform of the castle known as Elsinorea, at the dead of night. In films, this place is often depicted, as very high up on the walls of the castle, over looking the dark sea. This would portray quite a somber and haunting theme.

Throughout the opening scene, Shakespeare is constantly addressing his audience, in the form of questioning, through his characters.  Even, the very first words, uttered in this scene is presented to the audience as a question “who’s there?” This portrays the character (in this case Barnardo) as fearful, since he is in the presence of something unknown. This is Shakespeare’s attempt, to capture his audience’s interest. He does this, by trying to get his audience to show empathy toward Barnardo, making them also worried and fearful of the unknown, which makes the audience want to find out the answer to this rhetorical question, that they have been presented with by Barnardo. Then the audience is allowed to find “relief” which they would have “much thanks” for (since they are now able to name this unknown presence as Francisco.)  The audience is then easily silenced, when they are presented with another question “Have you had quiet guard?” making them worry yet again, if there could be another cause for concern. And also creating an atmosphere of tension and mystery, while at the same time leaving the audience in suspense.

On the battlements of Elsinore. “’Tis now twelve” and Barnardo has suggested to Francisco that he should “Get” himself “to bed”, since “’Tis bitter cold”, and Francisco “is sick at heart”. Obviously the audience is given the impression, that this scene is set late a night. Also at that point in time, the battlements of Elsinore wasn’t exactly the nicest place to be.

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There are two significant periods within this scene, which have a common factor the ghost (i.e. the theme of the super natural). Within the first period, Francisco speaking for the first time ”Nay, answer me. Stand and unfold yourself”.  The idea that it might be the ghost terrifies him, so in demanding to know who he is in the presence of allows him to put his worries at ease, once he as been answered. Followed by the second period, where Horatio sees the ghost for the first time Horatio. He is full of “fear” but at the same time ...

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