Hamlet act II

Why does Polonius send a messenger to Paris? To spy on his son, Laertes.
What has frightened Ophelia? Hamlet visited her, pretending to be crazy.
What does Polonius assume is wrong with Hamlet? Hamlet is crazy because Ophelia has rejected him.
How has Polonius misjudged Hamlet? Hamlet is only pretending to be crazy.
Name Hamlet’s two friends. What have they promised the king? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were sent to spy on Hamlet.
What is the King of Norway’s message to Denmark? Fortinbras will only pass through Denmark to attack Poland.
What does the queen believe is the cause of Hamlet’s behavior? Because of his father’s death and he marriage to Claudius.
Polonius’ speech in preparing to tell the king about Hamlet’s problem is so long that the queen has to tell him to get the the point. Explain this famous quote by Polonius himself: “…..brevity is the soul of wit.” What literary device is used in this quote? Being brief shows wisdom and intelligence, irony and metaphor.
What evidence does Polonius present? A letter that Hamlet wrote to Ophelia.
What plot does Polonius come up with to test his idea? He will get Hamlet and Ophelia to meet and Polonius will eavesdrop.
When Hamlet talks to Polonius his speech seems odd and without sense. Polonius says, “Through this be madness, yet there is a method in’t.” Explain this quote? Even though Hamlet sounds crazy there is some sense in what he is saying.
How does Hamlet react to his friends’ arrival? Appears happy to see them.
Hamlet calls Denmark his prison. What does he mean? What literary device is this? Corruption and disorder in Denmark, metaphor.
What does Hamlet say he is troubled by? Explain? Dreams, real life is a nightmare.
What has Hamlet figured out about the arrival of his friends? King and queen sent them.
A famous quote by Hamlet is “What a piece of work is man..” Explain Hamlet’s view of man? Man is a masterpiece, but made of dust. Hamlet is disillusioned with man.
What surprised have Hamlet’s friends arranged for him? An acting company is coming to entertain him.
In the discussion of theater, what do we learn about Hamlet? He knows and enjoys theater.
What scheme has Hamlet devised to expose the king’s guilt? He will create a scene in the play similar to the murder.
What does Hamlet say to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that shows his distrust? Keeps asking why they are there, he is up to something.
What is the public’s view of Claudius before the king’s death? Was he revered? Consider how this contributes to Claudius’ motive and to Hamlet’s bitterness? They like old Hamlet, dislike Claudius, Claudius was not respected.
When the actors arrive, how does Hamlet greet them? Very welcoming and courteous.
Hamlet discusses plays and theater and even recites a speech himself. What dies this reveal about him? He knows a great deal about theater and plays.
Hamlet wants the actors to perform a speech he said the crowds did not like, for it was like “caviar to the common people.” What does he mean? What literary device is this? People like what they know, simile.
During the actor’s speech, Polonius says “this goes on too long.” What is significance of this? This is ironic, Polonius is long winded.
Hamlet orders that the actors be well treated. Polonius says he will treat them as well as they deserve. Hamlet tells him a man should treat others according to his own worth. What does this say about Hamlet? Hamlet is a nice guy, not a snobby prince.
What request does Hamlet make of the actor? Hamlet will make a scene and the actor will act it out.
What does the actor do that makes Hamlet feel like a coward? Why does Hamlet put himself down? He plays his part better than Hamlet plays his own.
What doubt hold Hamlet back? If the ghost is really his father or the devil.
How will he bring an end to his doubt? He will have the play acted out and watch Claudius’s expressions.
What famous quote describes his plan? “The play’s the thing wherin I’ll catch the conscience of the king.”
September 4, 2019