Question

How do Horatio's attitudes toward the ghost shift as the scene develops? What does Horatio repeatedly ask the ghost to do? Note specific lines that show how Horatio's initial skepticism fades.

a) Horatio becomes more frightened; he asks the ghost to reveal its identity
b) Horatio becomes more intrigued; he asks the ghost to speak
c) Horatio becomes more skeptical; he asks the ghost to leave
d) Horatio becomes more welcoming; he asks the ghost to stay

Answer 1

Horatio initially doubts the existence of the ghost in Hamlet, shown by his early skepticism. As the scene progresses, he becomes more intrigued, desperately asking the ghost to speak to understand its intentions. The best answer to the question is option b) Horatio becomes more intrigued; he asks the ghost to speak.

Step-by-step explanation:

As Horatio’s experience with the ghost unfolds in the play Hamlet, we observe a shift in his attitude from skepticism to a desire for communication with the apparition. According to the line from Act 1, Scene 1, where Marcellus says, "Horatio says 'tis but our fantasy, And will not let belief take hold of him Touching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us," it's evident that Horatio initially doubts the existence of the ghost. However, as the scene progresses, Horatio's skepticism diminishes. In an attempt to understand the ghost's intentions and confirm its identity, Horatio urges it to speak. "If thou art privy to thy country's fate, Which, happily, foreknowing may avoid, O, speak!" This line suggests that Horatio becomes more intrigued and desperate for the ghost to communicate. In the options provided, this aligns best with option b) Horatio becomes more intrigued; he asks the ghost to speak. Through the course of the apparition's appearances, Horatio's fear is less pronounced compared to his growing curiosity and interest in what the ghost might reveal.