Death and mortality clearly are two emerging themes in Hamlet. We see this immediately with the entrance of the ghost of King Hamlet (sr). There is also a strong implication that throughout the play we will see themes of uncertainty and fear. Fear coming in forms of revenge, paranoia, anxiety, etc. Which could all be considered main themes, primarily revenge.When Horatio, Bernardo, and Marcellus see the ghost it naturally evokes a sense of fear, and especially uncertainty after the ghost has exited. They begin wondering if they really saw the ghost, is it really the ghost of the late King of Denmark, and how do they deal with this event? I believe that these themes serve as foreshadowing of what is come in the play. It sets the storyline with a darker tone, and feelings of skepticism within the characters and even the audience.

These themes evolve more throughout the rest of the first act, but primarily the theme of uncertainty. In Scene 2 we have Claudius, who has just been crowned King, and recently married his dead brother's wife. The death of King Hamlet (sr) is recent, and now it seems that this new system of rule is taking place, and probably far too soon for Hamlet (jr) and the rest of the kingdom's preference. I really feel that this sets a tone of uneasiness, and eventually will really display some hostility within the characters. Especially within Hamlet (jr). This is how the throne works, but it doesn't mean that people like the way it works. I've read this play before, and there is one line that has always really stood out to me. It is when Claudius says to Hamlet "How is it that clouds still hang on you?" And Hamlet replies with "Not so, my lord; I am too much i' the sun." And his mother replies "Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted colour off/And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark." They then go into say that Hamlet needs to stop mourning so much, and be stronger. That his grief is now inappropriate. Yet Hamlet recognizes how much pain he is in, and even mentions suicide. These themes are a clear indication that Hamlet is already doubting the environment around him, and that he is emotionally broken over his father's death. (and rightfully so) Heavy emotions such as the loss of a parent could push anybody to limits they ever considered let alone given much thought.

I feel like these themes really point the direction this play will go. When one is heavily blinded by raw and intense emotion, it has the high risk of getting very ugly, and very painful. Hamlet now is going to seek revenge upon Claudius. Revenge is a deadly mix. Hamlet is going to have some serious decisions to make, and with the influence of his father's death, Claudius' "advice", and the appearances of his father's ghost, Hamlet has already experienced somewhat of a mind explosion. He's sad, angry, confused, and broken. What a combination.