File Document Act 1

Hamlet
File Documents Assignment
Act I
By Nives Dzebic

Dear Close Friend,

There are many strange going ons in the palace. News of old Hamlet's ghost visiting the palace has spread around. Although we are not permitted to know of the sightings, there is still talk of him haunting many of the residents. Horatio was first asked to examine it seeing as he is both Hamlet's good friend an a very educated man. I hear that Hamlet is not sure whether it is his father's ghost or the devil playing a trick on him.

After hearing of this news, I worry for Gertrude. It has been barely a month since his passing and she has already moved on to marry Claudius. Could old King Hamlet be back to haunt her for doing this? You can not blame the woman though. What else was she to do? So suddenly was she left on her own, something she is not used to. A woman like her, when depressed, scared, and left alone, has almost no other option but to find someone to care for her as soon as possible. And her appearance!

You can see the stress in her dress and behaviour. Although she tries to appear calm and together, being her lady-in-waiting, I can see through this. I believe that it is her worry for her son Hamlet that brings her to such a state. If you saw her now, you would not believe her to be the same woman as before her husband passed away. But who really knows what she is feeling? Perhaps it is her new husband Claudius who troubles her.

This palace is filled with many secrets and I do not truly know what whole of any of them. When I learn or see more I shall write to you again!

Yours Truly,
Lady in Waiting