| What does Polonius ask of Reynaldo? How does he propose that Reynaldo go about this task? | take money to Laertes and spy on him. Use misdirection, say things about him that aren’t true to see how the people respond |
| What does this scene reveal about Polonius’s character? | nosey, loves to hear himself speak, loves his kids |
| What does Ophelia tell Polonius? How does he interpret her story? | She seen Hamlet. His clothes are messed up, he’s behaving strangely, he stares without speaking. He’s gone mad in love with Ophelia. |
| How is Ophelia’s exchange with Hamlet and example of dramatic irony? | audience knows Hamlet is going to act crazy. Ophelia doesn’t know, she’s worried about him. |
| Why does Claudius ask for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to come to Denmark? | to spend time with Hamlet, figure out what’s wrong with him. |
| What two things does Polonius tell Claudius? | he thinks he found out what’s wrong with Hamlet. Ambassadors from Norway have returned. |
| What does Polonius suggest they do to determine the depth and truth of Hamlet’s love for Ophelia? | spy on them. brought Ophelia to a place they knew Hamlet would be to see how he acted towards her. |
| What does Hamlet’s language during his exchange with Polonius reveal about his state of mind? | He’s acting crazy. Making fun of Polonius |
| Hamlet states, “I am but mad north-north-west; when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw.” To whom does he say this, and what does he mean? | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He’s only crazy sometimes but knows what’s happening most of the time. |
| Why does Hamlet call Polonius “Jephthah, Judge of Israel”? | king who sacrifices his only daughter |
| What is Hamlet’s central dilemma at the end of this scene? How specifically does he plan to resolve it? | he is not certain of the ghosts identity and intentions. Have the actors do a play. If he did it Claudius would act guilty. |
| The theme of deception and false appearances comes up several times throughout the scene. Identify 3 examples of characters not representing themselves honestly. | -Guildenstern & Rosencrantz- King called them to spend time with Hamlet. -Deception- Polonius hiding behind the curtains to spy on Ophelia and Hamlet.-Hamlet- deception- acting crazy trying to catch Claudius-actors- deception- job description |
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Hamlet Act 2 scene 1-2 (2-1-16)
August 21, 2019