Hamlet Act 1

Dear Diary,

The night wasn't going to be an ordinary one. Hamlet, Marcellus, and I all kept watch outside the castle. We were all waiting in the cold for the Ghost to appear. King Claudius was having a wassail. Hamlet is disgusted with this custom because, he thinks it makes Denmark a laughingstock among other nations. I agree with Hamlet's point of view. It lessens the Danes otherwise impressive achievements. I will remember this night for the rest of my life..

Shortly after midnight, trumpets and gunfire sounded from the castle. Then the Ghost appeared, and Hamlet called out to it. The Ghost beckoned Hamlet to follow it out into the night. I urged him not to follow, begging him to consider that the Ghost might lead him toward harm. I didn't know what the Ghost had in mind for Hamlet. Marcellus didn't think it was a good idea for Hamlet to adventure off with the Ghost. Poor Hamlet is so confused at this point.

Hamlet was unsure whether his father's apparition is truly the king's spirit or an evil demon. Hamlet tells me that he cares nothing for his life and that, if his soul is immortal, the Ghost can do nothing to harm his soul. Hamlet seemed as if he was going crazy or not thinking straight. He followed the spirit and disappeared into the darkness. Horatio and I were stunned and didn't know what to do. I thought we should just let Hamlet encounter the Ghost, but Marcellus said that we should follow and try to protect Hamlet.

Marcellus and I decided that we should follow after Hamlet and the Ghost. I didn't agree with the decision, but I did it for my friend. As dawn broke, we frantically came upon Hamlet. He seemed shaken and extremely agitated, and he refused to tell us anything. I swore upon his sword not to reveal what I had seen. Hamlet said he may pretend to be a madman, and for me not to give the slightest hint that I know anything about his motives. At that point I didn't know what to think about the situation that had occurred.

Before heading back toward the castle, I heard a voice. The voice of the Ghost said "Swear." I was so frightened and nervous, I didn't know what to do. I only hoped everything would turn out okay. I feel for my dearest friend, Hamlet. At this time in his life he is dealing with a lot of issues. Sometimes I don't know how to approach