In the first scene of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, suspense is built and a tone of uncertainty, fear, disbelief, and self-questioning is immediately established through Bernardo’s conversation with Francisco. Bernardo’s opening line, “who’s there” is the first line that evokes a sense of uncertainty and fear. This tone is extremely prevalent throughout the play represented by almost every character-Hamlet’s fear to avenge his father, Claudius’ fear of the downfall of his reign, Gertrude’s fear of her son’s madness and so on. Bernardo’s question further sets a feeling of suspense into the audience; it forces the audience to wonder and await an answer. Bernardo’s notice that “Tis...struck twelve,” which is the time that unrested souls from the
