In Hamlet (Act 1, Scene 2), what are some questions you might ask about the scene or ask one of the characters?

Considering the mysterious appearance of the ghost in the
first scene of Act I, a ghost who looks like Hamlet's dead father, one can think of many
questions after reading the scene that follows and observing the behavior of the various
characters. After speaking with Horatio, who had seen the ghost, Hamlet says that "all
is not well," and suspects that some "foul play" has occurred. Hamlet feels deep grief
over his father's death, and we can assume that he won't just "get over it," as Claudius
and his mother encourage him to do. The scene suggests these
questions:

• Has some "foul play" really occurred?
  


• How did Old Hamlet die?
  


• Why is his ghost appearing at the
  castle?


• Are Claudius and Gertrude sincere? Are they
  really concerned about Hamlet?


• Why does Hamlet trust
  Horatio's word?


• Does Horatio deserve Hamlet's
  trust?


• Why does Horatio think the ghost will "walk again"
  that night?


• Since Hamlet plans to talk to the ghost if it
  does appear to be his dead father, what will he
  say?

These questions, of course, will be
answered as the play develops.