Act 1 Scene 5

The ghost begins to speak to Hamlet, telling him about the “sulfurous and tormenting flames” of purgatory that he has had to endure since his untimely death. He warns Hamlet that he has to be ready to take revenge, informing him that he did not actually die from a serpent sting, but rather was murdered by Claudius in a “foul, strange and unnatural” manner. Hamlet is shocked, but not surprised about this revelation. The Ghost continues, and demonstrates increasing anger towards Claudius for seducing Gertrude. However, with dawn about to come, the ghost rapidly details the murder: Claudius had crept up on him whilst in the orchard and poured a “leprous distilment” of henbane poison into his ear, which made his blood coil and his skin crust.