1. The Ghost's Revelation: The play opens with the appearance of the Ghost of King Hamlet, revealing to his son, Prince Hamlet, the circumstances of his untimely demise. This revelation sets the stage for the central conflict and drives Hamlet's quest for vengeance.
2. Hamlet's State of Mind: The death of his father and the subsequent encounter with the Ghost profoundly impact Hamlet's mental and emotional state. He is grief-stricken and deeply disturbed, which manifests through his contemplative and melancholic nature.
3. Suspicion and Intrigue: The suspicious circumstances surrounding King Hamlet's death create a sense of intrigue and uncertainty within the play. The audience, along with Hamlet, becomes engrossed in unraveling the truth and uncovering the hidden motivations of various characters.
4. Moral Ambiguity: The death of King Hamlet raises questions about morality and ethics. The play explores the boundaries between justice and revenge, as Hamlet grapples with the complexities of seeking vengeance and the consequences of his actions.
5. Character Development: The death of King Hamlet influences the development and motivations of several characters. Claudius, the new king and Hamlet's uncle, is portrayed as a usurper and murderer, while Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, is viewed with suspicion and disapproval by Hamlet due to her hasty marriage to Claudius.
6. Political Corruption: The play sheds light on the corrupt nature of the Danish court, where treachery, deceit, and power-hungry individuals vie for control. The demise of King Hamlet symbolizes the decline and moral decay within the kingdom.
By setting the play in motion after King Hamlet's death, Shakespeare creates an atmosphere of mystery, suspense, and emotional turmoil that drives the plot and compels the audience to engage with the play's philosophical themes and existential questions.