| What’s the specific job Polonius gives to Reynaldo at the beginning of this scene? Is Polonius being a good dad when he assigns this task? Explain your answer. | Polonius is having Reynaldo to go out and ask people about Laertes and mention things like drinking and partying to spy on him. |
| Describe what Hamlet does when he enters Ophelia’s room. Why, do you suppose, Hamlet chose Ophelia to be the first person to whom he reveals his new, strange behavior? | Hamlet grabbed Ophelia’s wrists and pinned her against the wall and breathed heavily while staring at her and acting mad. Hamlet wants the king to think he is mad. |
| According to Polonius, what is the force that causes the most insanity / self-destruction in the world? Write the line that shows you this. | Polonius says that love is the force that cause the most insanity / self-destruction in the world. (Page 80, Lines 113-117: “This is the very ecstasy of love,…”) |
| What recent reactions by Ophelia does Polonius believe have led to Hamlet’s insanity? What do Ophelia’s actions show us about her character? | Polonius believes that Ophelia rejecting Hamlet has led to his insanity. Ophelia’s actions show us that she is obedient when someone else is in control. |
| Why does Polonius want to tell King Claudius and Queen Gertrude about Hamlet’s odd behavior? | Polonius wants the King and Queen to know that Hamlet has been pursuing Ophelia and she is below him in rank. |
Hamlet Act 2 Scene 1
July 31, 2019