My teacher has asked me to identify and explain how Shakespeare creates atmosphere in Act 1, Scene i.
I think he creates atmosphere by making the readers to think what will happen to Prince Hamlet and the ghost? I'm not really sure how to answer this question...
You're basically right. The dark, winter night and the presence of the ghost certainly creates an ominous atmosphere.
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/hamlet/section1.html
Ok, so do I blab about how the guards were frightened by the ghost, then when Marcellus swing his partisan towards the ghost to stop it from leaving, the setting itself and how Horatio is questioning why was the ghost there?
NO, you're showing how Shakespeare creates atmosphere like by the weather.
and supernatural
To identify and explain how Shakespeare creates atmosphere in Act 1, Scene i of the play, "Hamlet," you need to carefully examine the text and analyze the various literary techniques and elements used by Shakespeare. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach this task:
1. Read and understand the scene: Familiarize yourself with Act 1, Scene i of "Hamlet." Pay close attention to the dialogue, stage directions, and any descriptions of the setting or characters.
2. Identify the key elements: Determine the key elements that contribute to the atmosphere in the scene. These can include language, tone, imagery, symbolism, and characterization.
3. Analyze the language: Examine the language used by the characters in the scene. Look for any patterns, particular words, or choice of phrases that evoke a specific mood or feeling. Pay attention to the use of metaphors, similes, alliteration, or other rhetorical devices.
4. Consider the tone: Evaluate the overall tone of the scene. Is it tense, mysterious, or foreboding? What emotions do the characters express, and how does this contribute to the atmosphere?
5. Examine the setting: Explore the setting of the scene and its impact on atmosphere. For example, is the scene set at night, in a graveyard, or in a gloomy castle? These details can help create a particular mood.
6. Look for symbolism and imagery: Identify any symbolic elements or vivid imagery that Shakespeare uses. Symbolism and vivid descriptions can enhance the atmospheric effect, as they often evoke strong emotions or associations in the reader's mind.
7. Consider character actions and reactions: Evaluate how the characters' actions and reactions contribute to the atmosphere. Do they display fear, uncertainty, or intrigue? How do they interact with each other and the environment?
8. Connect it to the larger context: Relate the atmosphere of Act 1, Scene i to the broader themes and motifs present in the play. Consider how Shakespeare's use of atmosphere in this specific scene relates to the overall tone and themes in "Hamlet."
Once you have completed these steps, you can develop your answer by explaining how each identified element contributes to the creation of atmosphere in the scene. Remember to support your explanation with specific examples or quotes from the text to demonstrate your understanding.