Act 1
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HAMLET If it assume my noble father’s person,
I’ll speak to it, though Hell itself should gape
245And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all,
If you have hitherto concealed this sight,
Let it be tenable in your silence still.
And whatsoever else shall hap tonight,
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
250I will requite your loves. So fare you well.
Upon the platform, ’twixt eleven and twelve,
I’ll visit you.
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HAMLET If it looks like my good father, I’ll speak to it, even
if Hell itself opens up and tells me to be quiet. I ask you, if
you’ve kept this a secret, keep doing so. Whatever
happens tonight, don’t talk about it. I’ll
return the favor. So good-bye for now. I’ll see you on
the guards' platform between eleven and twelve
tonight.
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HORATIO, MARCELLUS, BARNARDO Our duty to your honor.
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HORATIO, MARCELLUS, BARNARDO We’ll do our duty to you, sir.
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HAMLET Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
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HAMLET Give me your love instead, as I give you mine. Good-bye.
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Exeunt all but HAMLET
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Everyone except HAMLET
exits.
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My father’s spirit in arms. All is not well.
255I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come!
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Though all the earth o'erwhelm them, to
men’s eyes.
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My father’s ghost—armed!
Something’s wrong. I suspect some foul play. I wish the
night were here already! Until then, I have to remain calm. Bad
deeds will be revealed, no matter how people try to hide
them.
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Exit
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HAMLET exits.
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More Help
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Character List
CHARACTERS -
Hamlet: Character Analysis
CHARACTERS -
Plot Analysis
MAIN IDEAS -
Is Hamlet really mad?
MAIN IDEAS -
Quotes by Theme
QUOTES -
Themes
MAIN IDEAS -
Review Quiz
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