Hamlet+1.1

Hamlet 1.1 4) "How now, Horatio, you tremble and look pale./ Is not this more than fantasy?/ What think you on it?" (1.1.63-65) I enjoyed this quote because it plays with the idea of reality versus believability. Although Horatio may believe or even may know there is no such thing as ghosts and he originally does not even believe his friends when they try and convince him of this visitor. Once seeing it he takes that leap of faith and not only agrees that they saw something, but from his reaction to this visitor he clearly believes it is something more than just a trick on the eyes.

4) "Before my God, I might not this believe/ Without the sensible and true avouch/ Of mine own eyes." (1.1.64-66). This quote acknowledges the human weakness associated with belief. If he had simply trusted the guards and agreed that there was a ghost without ever seeing it, he could have been ridiculed by everyone for being so gullible. he only truly agreed with them once they had proven there was a ghost and he was able to see that proof with his own eyes. Trusting these men was not an option for Horatio, which is similar to how many people feel about other matters involving faith, such as religion and the existence of God, evolution, which can be proven but people still do not fully accept because they have not seen it themselves. No matter how obvious something may seem, and how elementary it maybe to explain and describe to someone factually, they may never believe it until they have seen it themselves, and that is just human nature.

6) "Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it/ As needful in our loves, fitting our duty?" (1.1.187-188) This quote is important because it could show a relationship between Prince Hamlet and his guards that Hamlet may use later. They believe it is their duty to serve him and tell him the truth. They do this not only because it is their duty but also because they love him as a Prince, not as a lover, just a respectful love. They seem to respect him adn trust him as a leader, and that he may abuse that power in the future.