Horatio’s reaction to the ghost

Initially Horatio is skeptical about the existence of the apparition. In Act 1, Scene 1 he
says, “Tush, tush, ’twill not appear” (Shakespeare 1.1.26). Then, when the ghost
actually does appear, Horatio’s skepticism is replaced with terror. He admits that the
ghost does, indeed, look like the deceased king. This fact both terrifies and intrigues
him. This is apparent as he says, “It harrows me with fear and wonder” (Shakespeare
1.1.42). The word ‘wonder’ is telling, showing the audience that Horatio is not so afraid
of the apparition that he cannot appreciate its uncanny resemblance. In fact, Horatio
realizes that the ghost is wearing King Hamlet’s exact armor from the battle against
Norway. He interprets this as the ghost warning them that something bad is coming;
possibly an attack from the prince of Norway.
After the ghost appears a second time and still says nothing, Horatio decides they must
tell Prince Hamlet about this experience. He believes that the ghost will surely speak to
his own son. Furthermore, he says they owe it to Hamlet, saying, “Do you consent we
shall acquaint him with it, as needful in our loves, fitting our duty?” (Shakespeare
1.1.170) Horatio and the others are clearly loyal to, and fond of, Prince Hamlet.

Hamlet’s reaction, similar to Horatio’s at first, is to be skeptical. He is not sure if this

apparition is really his father, or something sinister. His desire to know the truth is
almost too much for him to handle. “O, answer me! Let me not burst in ignorance
(Shakespeare 1.4.49-50),” he says, begging for the truth.
However, not valuing his life, he willingly follows the ghost into the darkness without
any answers. Whereas Horatio believes the ghost is King Hamlet, and yet exercises
caution, Hamlet is unsure about the true nature of the ghost and yet follows it recklessly.

References:

“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.” The Project Gutenberg EBook of

Hamlet, by William Shakespeare,
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1524/1524-h/1524-h.htm.