Question

Elsinore. A Platform before the Castle.

FRANCISCO at his post. Enter to him BERNARDO.

Bernardo: Who’s there?

Francisco: Nay, answer me; stand, and unfold yourself.

Bernardo: Long live the king!

Francisco: Bernardo?

Bernardo: He.

Francisco: You come most carefully upon your hour.

Bernardo: ’Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco.

Francisco: For this relief much thanks; ’tis bitter cold,
And I am sick at heart.

–Hamlet,
William Shakespeare

What does the audience learn about the setting of the play from the opening lines of the first scene? Check all that apply.

The weather is cold.
It is late at night.
The country is at war.
The story takes place at a castle.
The castle is near the sea.

Answer 1

Selected:
- The weather is cold. — Francisco says, "’Tis bitter cold."
- It is late at night. — Bernardo: "’Tis now struck twelve" indicates midnight.
- The story takes place at a castle. — The scene heading reads "Elsinore. A Platform before the Castle."

Not selected:
- The country is at war — not indicated in these lines.
- The castle is near the sea — not stated here.