Act 1 Scene 4

This transitional scene is pivotal, as it starts to entwine the dark, supernatural atmosphere of the castle exteriors with the corrupt and artificially happy court interiors. Now that it’s nearing midnight, Hamlet is standing watch with Horatio and Marcellus and is eagerly awaiting the appearance of the ghost. Claudius is busy celebrating Hamlet’s decision to stay in Denmark, drinking into the night in an old tradition called ‘the king’s rouse.’ The intoxicated behaviours of those in the court emphasises the imagery of an ill Denmark plagued by vice. Horatio laments how this kind of behaviour lessens the significance of people’s noble achievements.