Hamlet Act 1

Dear Diary,

The night wasn’t going to be an ordinary one. Hamlet, Marcellus, and I all kept watch outside the castle. We were all waiting in the cold for the Ghost to appear. King Claudius was having a wassail. Hamlet is disgusted with this custom because, he thinks it makes Denmark a laughingstock among other nations. I agree with Hamlet’s point of view. It lessens the Danes otherwise impressive achievements. I will remember this night for the rest of my life..

Shortly after midnight, trumpets and gunfire sounded from the castle. Then the Ghost appeared, and Hamlet called out to it. The Ghost beckoned Hamlet to follow it out into the night. I urged him not to follow, begging him to consider that the Ghost might lead him toward harm. I didn’t know what the Ghost had in mind for Hamlet. Marcellus didn’t think it was a good idea for Hamlet to adventure off with the Ghost. Poor Hamlet is so confused at this point.

Hamlet was unsure whether his father’s apparition is truly the king’s spirit or an evil demon. Hamlet tells me that he cares nothing for his life and that, if his soul is immortal, the Ghost can do nothing to harm his soul. Hamlet seemed as if he was going crazy or not thinking straight. He followed the spirit and disappeared into the darkness. Horatio and I were stunned and didn’t know what to do. I thought we should just let Hamlet encounter the Ghost, but Marcellus said that we should follow and try to protect Hamlet.

Marcellus