It is not for nothing that Shakespeare decided to open the play in darkness. From the first line “who is there” the audience is bathed in an appropriate uncertainty. Regardless of whether or not both actors are on stage this scene would generate attention. The fact that neither character is certain of the identity of the other is enough to spark intrigue; the audience is unaware how the two will react together. Moreover, an ill feeling is intended to be taken from the first two lines, where Barnardo disobeys sentry etiquette by asking “who is there?”. Thus the reply “Nay answer me.” creates more tension. Add to that tension the task of awaiting “this thing” in the dark and the scene is developing into something absorbing, if not blatantly surreal. And the attitude towards the ghost is one which represents the questioning that is to come. First, the guards look to Horatio for guidance on what to believe and second Horatio demands that the ghost explain why he has “usurped” this time of night, and taken the form of the King. Though the time of night is always consistent and the ghost only a “spirit”, why that time or that form is never clear. These questions seem futile, given the rest of the plot. However, they do represent the most human of traits, making an attempt to understand what cannot yet be explained. Fear of the unknown is a natural response and is illustrated by the fear associated with darkness, unknown persons approaching, from unknown directions and the anxiety produced in the audience at the phrase “the thing”. Indeed, very often the more questionable, the stranger the more likely one is to want to explore or understand.