Questions on this work? Just ask!

Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

This scene takes place in a room of state in the Castle. Claudius, the present King of Denmark, who has replaced Hamlet's father, speaks with pain of his brother's death and his sad marriage to Queen Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. Fortinbras, son of the King of Norway, who was killed in battle by the Danes, now seeks his lands returned. Claudius dispatches Cornelius and Voltimand to "Old Norway" to make the peace. Laertes, the son of Polonius, petitions Claudius, who he has visited for his coronation, to let him return to France. After Polonius' consent is clear, Claudius gives him permission. Claudius then turns to Hamlet, who is beside himself with grief and suspicious of Claudius. Hamlet's grief, as he tells his mother, Gertrude, is beyond mere signs and black capes which.....

Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our Hamlet Access Pass.