| What is the setting of the play? (Act 1, Scene 1) | Denmark-Elsinore (castle) |
| Who are Barnardo and Francisco? (Act 1, Scene 1) | Danish soldiers on guard at castle |
| What had Barnardo seen on the last night’s watch? (Act 1, Scene 1) | A ghost of King Hamlet in his battle armor |
| Why does Marcellus, a guard, think Horatio should speak to the ghost? (Act 1, Scene 1) | Because he is a scholar |
| How did Fortinbras of Norway die? (Act 1, Scene 1) | His father was killed by King Hamlet in battle |
| What does Horatio say young Fortinbras wants to regain? (Act 1, Scene 1) | His lands |
| Does the ghost speak to Horatio? (Act 1, Scene 1) | No |
| Who is the first character to mention young Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 1) | Horatio |
| What does Horatio think he, Barnardo and Marcellus should tell Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 1) | About the ghost of their watch |
| Does Horatio suppose that the ghost will speak to Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 1) | Yes |
| In what color is Hamlet dressed when we first meet him? Why is he in this color? (Act 1, Scene 2) | Black, he is depressed from his father’s death and at how fast his mother married his uncle |
| What major ceremony/occasion takes place soon after the funeral of King Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 2) | Wedding between King and Gertrude and the coronation ceremony |
| How is Hamlet related to King Claudius? (Act 1, Scene 2) | Uncle and step father |
| On what mission does Claudius send Cornelius and Voltimand? (Act 1, Scene 2) | Norway |
| Who is Polonius? (Act 1, Scene 2) | Assistant- Chamberland to the King |
| What does Laertes ask of King Claudius? (Act 1, Scene 2) | Going back to college |
| Explain the meaning of Hamlet’s first line, “A little more than kin, and less than kind.” (Act 1, Scene 2) | Claudius |
| What does Claudius say about the death of a father? (Act 1, Scene 2) | All fathers must die- circle of life |
| How does Gertrude feel about Hamlet’s desire to return to Wittenberg? (Act 1, Scene 2) | She wants him to stay |
| This scene presents Hamlet’s first soliloquy. Of what does Hamlet wish to be freed? (Act 1, Scene 2) | He wants to be free of his body (to die) |
| In this soliloquy, explain the “unweeded garden” reference. (Act 1, Scene 2) | The Kingdom- it’s not flourished, not tended to properly |
| How does Hamlet feel about his mother’s manner of mourning? (Act 1, Scene 2) | It’s too fast, moved on too quickly |
| How does Hamlet feel about seeing Horatio? (Act 1, Scene 2) | He is pleased to see him |
| What astonishing news does Horatio tell Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 2) | He saw his father’s ghost |
| After hearing this news, what does Hamlet decide to do that night? (Act 1, Scene 2) | He decided to go on guard with them to see his father’s ghost |
| What advice does Laertes give to his sister, Ophelia? (Act 1, Scene 3) | Advice about relationship with Hamlet- be careful/his will is not his own |
| What advice does Ophelia give to Laertes in response? (Act 1, Scene 3) | Tells him he’s a hypocrite |
| Why is it odd that Polonius should give Laertes advice about going to college before his return to France? (Act 1, Scene 3) | It shows he likes to control people and tell them what to do |
| Look up the word platitude. Explain how it can be argued that Polonius’ speech is full of platitudes. (Act 1, Scene 3) | Do what you know is right; don’t listen to other people; don’t fight; don’t gamble |
| Explain the valuable advice he does give in the famous line: “This above all: to thine own self be true.” (Act 1, Scene 3) | Don’t go against your own conscience, be true to yourself |
| What does Polonius ask Ophelia about after Laertes leaves? (Act 1, Scene 3) | What was it that Laertes had said to her |
| What is Polonius’ response when Ophelia claims that she does not know what she should think about Hamlet’s “tenders” (I.iii.103) (Act 1, Scene 3) | He says that she is an idiot; you shouldn’t believe he loves you |
| What does Polonius suggest that Ophelia do in regard to Hamlet’s vows? (Act 1, Scene 3) | Don’t believe them; don’t talk or see him |
| What does Ophelia swear to obey at the end of this scene? (Act 1, Scene 3) | She’s not going to speak with Hamlet |
| What are Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus doing in the beginning of this scene? (Act 1, Scene 4) | They’re on the watch |
| What does Hamlet say about the Danes’ drunkenness? (Act 1, Scene 4) | They celebrate and drink too much |
| Does Hamlet claim that these men are to blame for being drunkards? Why or why not? (Act 1, Scene 4) | They can’t help it- genetics |
| How does Hamlet respond when he first sees the ghost? (Act 1, Scene 4) | He is praying |
| What does Horatio fear the ghost will do to Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 4) | Kill him or lead him off a cliff (loose your mind) |
| Will Hamlet follow the ghost? (Act 1, Scene 4) | Yes |
| Explain Horatio’s concern when he says, Hamlet “waxes desperate with imagination” (I.iv.87) (Act 1, Scene 4) | He’s going to get carried away; going to see his father again, he will loose his reason |
| What does the ghost ask of Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 5) | Revenge (avenge his death) |
| Where was King Hamlet when he died? (Act 1, Scene 5) | In his orchard |
| Who killed King Hamlet? (Act 1, Scene 5) | Claudius |
| How does the ghost advice Hamlet to deal with Gertrude? (Act 1, Scene 5) | Leave her to heaven |
| What is the last request the ghost makes before he exits? (Act 1, Scene 5) | ‘Remember me, remember to make revenge’ |
| What is it about villains that Hamlet realizes and writes down in his tablet? (Act 1, Scene 5) | One may smile and be a villain |
| What two things does Hamlet force Horatio to swear to on his sword? (Act 1, Scene 5) | Don’t repeat a thing that happened tonight (about seeing the ghost) and help me with revenge (go along with what I’m doing) |
| What is Polonius sending Reynaldo to do for him? (Act 2, Scene 1) | To spy on Laertes (gives him money) |
| How does Polonius advise Reynaldo to get information about Laertes? (Act 2, Scene 1) | Befriend his friends |
| Explain Polonius’ statement “Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth” (II.i.63) (Act 2, Scene 1) | If you say a little bit of details (bait) you’ll |
| What does Ophelia tell Polonius about Hamlet? (Act 2, Scene 1) | There’s a strange look on Hamlet |
| What does Polonius suspect in the cause of Hamlet’s “madness”? (Act 2, Scene 1) | He’s love sick |
| Whom does Polonius think he must tell this information about Hamlet? (Act 2, Scene 1) | The King |
| Explain Polonius’ words “This must be known, which, being kept close, might move more grief to hide than hate to utter love.” (Act 2, Scene 1) | If we don’t tell the king this, there might be more problems |
| Why are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern summoned to Elsinore? (Act 2, Scene 2) | To spy on Hamlet |
| Does Guildenstern intend to harm Hamlet? Why or why not? (Act 2, Scene 2) | No, he’s trying to be helpful |
| What news do Cornelius and Voltimand bring about young Fortinbras? (Act 2, Scene 2) | He wants to pass through Denmark peacefully to get his lands (Poland) |
| What does Polonius tell Claudius and Gertrude about Hamlet? (Act 2, Scene 2) | That he likes his daughter (love sick) |
| What does Polonius offer as proof of his accusation? (Act 2, Scene 2) | Ophelia’s love letters |
| Explain what Polonius means (while conversing with Hamlet) by his asside: “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t” (II.ii.205-206) (Act 2, Scene 2) | There is a reason behind it, but he doesn’t know what it is |
| What does Hamlet reveal to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about his feelings regarding Denmark? (Act 2, Scene 2) | It’s a prison |
| What does Hamlet ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about their visit? (Act 2, Scene 2) | “Did Queen/King send for you?” |
| What does Hamlet reveal as the cause of his melancholy? (Act 2, Scene 2) | The world, people in it, the kingdom where he lives; can’t trust anyone |
| What news does Rosencrantz tell Hamlet that cheers Hamlet up a bit? (Act 2, Scene 2) | A play (drama) |
| What does Hamlet ask the actor to perform to give “a taste of [his] quality”? (Act 2, Scene 2) | A speech |
| What is the main point of the speech which attracts Hamlet’s attention? (Act 2, Scene 2) | The slaughter |
| What does the actor’s speech about “The Mobled Queen” reveal about her actions? (Act 2, Scene 2) | The grief when someone close to them dies |
| Hamlet again speaks in soliloquy. What feelings about himself does Hamlet reveal? (Act 2, Scene 2) | He’s angry/upset with himself (feels he should be doing more) |
| How does the actor’s speech encourage Hamlet to take action on his revenge? (Act 2, Scene 2) | He’s done more in fiction than me |
| Why does Hamlet consider himself “pigeon-liver’d”? (Act 2, Scene 2) | He hasn’t killed his uncle yet in real life |
| How does Hamlet intend to use a play to manipulate Claudius? (Act 2, Scene 2) | He’s going to put lines in the play that act out the death of King Hamlet and look at Claudius’s reactions |
| Who will Hamlet watch during the play? (Act 2, Scene 2) | Claudius |
| What does Hamlet mean by “I’ll have grounds more relative than this?” (Act 2, Scene 2) | He’ll have more proof other than the ghost |
| What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Claudius about Hamlet? (Act 3, Scene 1) | He is not himself, he won’t reveal reason, excited about prey |
| What have Claudius and Polonius set up with Ophelia? (Act 3, Scene 1) | To converse with Hamlet so they can spy on him |
| What does Gertrude tell Ophelia she hopes is the cause of Hamlet’s madness? (Act 3, Scene 1) | Her beauty |
| In Hamlet’s soliloquy, “To be or not to be…” what is he deciding? (Act 3, Scene 1) | To live or to die |
| What is the undiscovered country from which no traveler returns? (Act 3, Scene 1) | Death/afterlife |
| What does Hamlet list as his faults in the “get thee to a nunnery…” speech? (Act 3, Scene 1) | Proud, revengeful, ambitious |
| Why does Hamlet ask Ophelia where her father is? (Act 3, Scene 1) | Hamlet knows he is nearby (he’s suspicious) |
| Who is Hamlet criticizing in this scene? (Act 3, Scene 1) | Women |
| What qualities of Hamlet’s does Ophelia say are lost in his insanity? (Act 3, Scene 1) | Soldiers, scholars, royals, eye, tongue, sword |
| Where does Polonius wish to send Hamlet? (Act 3, Scene 1) | England |
| Who does Polonius want to further question Hamlet? (Act 3, Scene 1) | The Queen |
| Where will Polonius be while Hamlet is being questioned? (Act 3, Scene 1) | Hiding |
| What acting directions does Hamlet give the players? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Keep it natural |
| Where does Hamlet send Rosencrantz, Guildenstern and Polonius? (Act 3, Scene 2) | To hurry the players in their preparations (get players going) |
| What does Hamlet tell Horatio when he enters? (Act 3, Scene 2) | What he learned from the ghost |
| Why does he make that remark immediately after Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leave? (Act 3, Scene 2) | He doesn’t trust them |
| What does Hamlet tell Horatio about a scene in “a play tonight”? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Portray same circumstances as his father’s death |
| What does Horatio agree to do? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Watch the reaction |
| What role did Polonius perform in his university play? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Julius Caesar |
| Who asks Hamlet to sit near her? (Act 3, Scene 2) | His mother (Queen Gertrude) |
| Why is Hamlet distressed at his mother’s happiness? (Act 3, Scene 2) | She’s moved on so quick and how long it’s been since father’s death |
| What is the “dumb show”? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Players act out a brief, silent version of the play to come (mime) |
| In the play which follows the dumb show, what does the queen say kills her husband a second time? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Second husband kisses me in bed |
| What does Hamlet tell Claudius the play is called? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Mouse trap |
| Who is the mouse? (Act 3, Scene 2) | King Claudius |
| Who does Hamlet identify as the murderer of the player king? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Lucianus |
| What parallels are there between the play and the Mousetrap? (Act 3, Scene 2) | There’s a murder (relative murders someone, queen has a second husband, the poison in ear) |
| What is Claudius’ reaction to the play? (Act 3, Scene 2) | He rises and cries out for light |
| What does Hamlet mean when he says “O Horatio, I’ll take the ghost’s word for a thousand pound”? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Knows for sure the ghost’s words are true |
| What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report when they enter here? (Act 3, Scene 2) | The King is very upset and the queen |
| How does Hamlet demonstrate madness? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Speaking glibly and inventing little poems (frantic and scatterbrained; admits his “wits diseased”) |
| Who wishes to see Hamlet and where? (Act 3, Scene 2) | His mother in her chambers |
| What does Hamlet tell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is the cause of his distemper? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Accuses them of trying to play him as if he were a musical pipe |
| What does Hamlet mean when he tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, “Do you think I am easier to be played than a pipe”? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Accuses them of trying to play him as if he were a musical pipe |
| How does Hamlet reveal his anger with his mother? (Act 3, Scene 2) | He could drink hot blood |
| What does Hamlet resolve to do to his mother? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Speak daggers but don’t kill her |
| Why does he mention Nero? (Act 3, Scene 2) | Nero killed his mother |
| What does Claudius decide to do with Hamlet? (Act 3, Scene 3) | He sends Hamlet on a voyage to England and to depart immediately |
| Why is he sending him away? (Act 3, Scene 3) | He knowns Hamlet knows what he did |
| Who will accompany him? (Act 3, Scene 3) | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern |
| On what is Claudius reflecting? (Act 3, Scene 3) | Guilt and grief over his sin of killing King Hamlet |
| What three things does Claudius still possess that he gained as a result of murdering his brother? (Act 3, Scene 3) | The crown, the queen and his ambition |
| Is he repentant? (Act 3, Scene 3) | No (says it but doesn’t mean it) |
| What does Hamlet think Claudius is doing? (Act 3, Scene 3) | Hamlet thinks Claudius is praying and asking forgiveness |
| Why does Hamlet not kill Claudius in this scene? (Act 3, Scene 3) | He realized he would end the King’s life at the moment he was seeking forgiveness which would send his soul to heaven |
| When does Hamlet think would be an ideal time to kill Claudius? (Act 3, Scene 3) | When he is sinning |
| What does Claudius say that indicates Hamlet made the wrong decision? (Act 3, Scene 3) | “My words fly up, my thoughts remain below” |
| How does Polonius die? (Act 3, Scene 4) | Hamlet kills him (stabs him behind the curtain) |
| Why does Hamlet say his mother could not love Claudius? (Act 3, Scene 4) | He’s too old |
| What does Gertrude say is on her soul? (Act 3, Scene 4) | Black spots |
| What does the ghost tell Hamlet is the purpose of his visit? What does Hamlet say he must be “cruel” to be what? (Act 3, Scene 4) | To avenge his murder |
| Does the Queen see the ghost? (Act 3, Scene 4) | No |
| What does Hamlet say he must be “cruel” to be what? (Act 3, Scene 4) | Kind |
| What would Hamlet have his mother do? (Act 3, Scene 4) | Not go to bed with the King and confess and repent; stop sinning |
| Where does Hamlet say he is going? (Act 3, Scene 4) | England |
| What is Hamlet taking with him? (Act 3, Scene 4) | Sealed letters (saying he’s crazy~ carrying his own death warrant to England) |
| With whom is Hamlet going? (Act 4, Scene 4) | School fellows (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) |
| What does King Claudius ask Queen Gertrude? (Act 4, Scene 1) | Where is Hamlet? |
| What does the Queen reply? (Act 4, Scene 1) | Mad (insane) |
| Why is the King concerned with Hamlet’s behavior? (Act 4, Scene 1) | If it had been him (Claudius) behind the curtain, he would’ve been the one killed |
| What does the king propose to do with Hamlet? (Act 4, Scene 1) | Ship Hamlet to England |
| Who does the King call for? (Act 4, Scene 1) | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern |
| What does he command of them? (Act 4, Scene 1) | Sends them to find Hamlet and find Polonius’s body |
| When Hamlet states “Safely stow’d” in line 1, to what is he referring? (Act 4, Scene 2) | Polonius’s body |
| Who calls for Hamlet and enters? (Act 4, Scene 2) | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern |
| What is the first thing they ask of Hamlet, and what does Hamlet reply? (Act 4, Scene 2) | Where is the body? Hamlet says “The body is with the King, but the King is not with the body” |
| In lines 15-21, what does Hamlet say to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about their true purpose? (Act 4, Scene 2) | Spies in the service of Claudius |
| Instead of a truthful reply, what does Hamlet ask of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? (Act 4, Scene 2) | Take him to the King |
| What is the King’s concern? (Act 4, Scene 3) | That Hamlet is running loose |
| Why is the King reluctant to imprison Hamlet? (Act 4, Scene 3) | It will look bad (everyone loves Hamlet) |
| Who enters the King’s Chamber first and what does the King ask him? (Act 4, Scene 3) | Rosencrantz. Where is the body? |
| Who does the King command to appear before him? (Act 4, Scene 3) | Hamlet |
| What is the first thing the King asks Hamlet? (Act 4, Scene 3) | Where is Polonius’s body? |
| Does Hamlet ever answer him honestly? (Act 4, Scene 3) | Under the stairs near the castle lobby (eaten) |
| What does the King tell Hamlet they need to do about Polonius’s murder? Why? (Act 4, Scene 3) | Hamlet must leave for good (Hamlet is enthused) |
| Who does the King send with Hamlet? (Act 4, Scene 3) | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern |
| After Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leave the King, what does the King plan for Hamlet? (Act 4, Scene 3) | To put Hamlet to death |
| Who has arrived at the borders of Denmark? (Act 4, Scene 4) | Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern |
| Who enters to speak with him? (Act 4, Scene 4) | Prince Fortinbras |
| Why is he there? (Act 4, Scene 4) | Traveling through Denmark on his way to attack Poland |
| What does the captain think of the mission? (Act 4, Scene 4) | … |
| During Hamlet’s soliloquy, Hamlet’s mental health changes from rational to an irrational imagined avenger. What is the cause for this change? (Act 4, Scene 4) | He is disgusted with himself for having failed to gain his revenge on Claudius |
| Who asks for an audience with the Queen? (Act 4, Scene 5) | Ophelia |
| What is the Queen’s initial response? (Act 4, Scene 5) | She doesn’t want to see her |
| Why does she change her mind? (Act 4, Scene 5) | Horatio says that Ophelia should be pitied for her grief |
| What is Ophelia’s state when she enters the Queen’s chamber? (Act 4, Scene 5) | She has gone mad (sad/distracted) |
| Who is the “beauteous majesty” Ophelia refers to in line 21? (Act 4, Scene 5) | Hamlet |
| How does Ophelia act throughout the scene? (Act 4, Scene 5) | She’s singing (behaving crazy) |
| Who enters the Queen’s chamber while Ophelia is still there? Does Ophelia’s behavior change? (Act 4, Scene 5) | The King. She is still being crazy. |
| How does Ophelia threaten the King? (Act 4, Scene 5) | Let her brother (Laertes) know |
| According to the King, why is Ophelia behaving this way? (Act 4, Scene 5) | Her grief stemming from her father’s death |
| After Ophelia leaves, who enters? What is the news? (Act 4, Scene 5) | A gentleman enters to warn the King that Laertes has come with a mob of commoners |
| What does Laertes want? (Act 4, Scene 5) | He wants to avenge his father’s death |
| What is he told? (Act 4, Scene 5) | His father’s dead (Hamlet killed him) |
| What does Laertes then ask? (Act 4, Scene 5) | How did he die? |
| Before the King can tell Laertes, who enters? (Act 4, Scene 5) | Ophelia |
| How does she behave? (Act 4, Scene 5) | Insane |
| Is Laertes ever told in this scene how his father died? (Act 4, Scene 5) | No |
| What does Horatio receive? (Act 4, Scene 6) | A letter from Hamlet |
| What does it say? (Act 4, Scene 6) | His ships were captured by pirates, who have returned him to Denmark. Asks to escort sailors to King and Queen and has as much to tell as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern |
| Who are on stage at the beginning of the scene? (Act 4, Scene 7) | King Claudius and Laertes |
| After Laertes finds out Hamlet was the one who killed Polonius, what are the two reasons the King gives for not publicly punishing Hamlet? (Act 4, Scene 7) | Everyone loves Hamlet and Queen Gertrude is his mother |
| What does Laertes swear in line 29? (Act 4, Scene 7) | ‘His revenge will come’ |
| Who then enters? What is he carrying and for whom? (Act 4, Scene 7) | A messenger with letters for the King |
| What is the tone of the letter for the King? (Act 4, Scene 7) | Sarcastic |
| What does the King tell Laertes he is going to do when Hamlet returns? (Act 4, Scene 7) | He’s going to have him killed |
| What does Laertes respond? (Act 4, Scene 7) | He will do it |
| What do the King and Laertes plan? How? (Act 4, Scene 7) | To make it look like an accident (have a fencing match but Laertes has sword with poison on it. If that doesn’t work, give him poisoned drink) |
| Who enters? With what news? (Act 4, Scene 7) | The Queen. Ophelia died |
| Why is the King concerned? (Act 4, Scene 7) | He doesn’t know how Laertes is going to be affected |
| What are the two clowns doing in this scene? (Act 5, Scene 1) | Digging graves |
| Why are they confused about the gentle woman having a Christian burial? (Act 5, Scene 1) | Because she committed suicide (killed herself) |
| What is the answer to the clown’s riddle? (Act 5, Scene 1) | The grave digger/maker |
| Why is Hamlet disturbed by the clown’s singing? (Act 5, Scene 1) | They don’t care that they are digging someone’s grave |
| Whose skull does Hamlet pick up? (Act 5, Scene 1) | Yorick |
| What upsets Laertes about Ophelia’s funeral? (Act 5, Scene 1) | She isn’t getting a full Christian burial |
| What does the Queen say she had hoped for Ophelia? (Act 5, Scene 1) | She would be Hamlet’s wife |
| Why does Laertes leap into the grave? (Act 5, Scene 1) | To hold her one last time |
| Who leaps in after him? (Act 5, Scene 1) | Hamlet |
| What does Hamlet proclaim about his feelings for Ophelia? (Act 5, Scene 1) | They were stronger than anyone else. He loved her more than everything |
| What instruction is in the letter that Hamlet takes from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| What does Ellen O’Brien mean by a hero’s “tragic choice?” | That moment of decision to act or not act that brings destruction to the hero |
| What new instruction does Hamlet write? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| How is he able to make it look as if the King wrote it? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| Who has challenged Hamlet to a duel? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| What are his weapons? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| Why does Horatio want Hamlet to withdraw? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| Why does Claudius not want Gertrude to drink from the cup? (Act 5, Scene 2) | It was supposed to be for Hamlet. It’s poisonous |
| Does Laertes accept Hamlet’s apology? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| Who is named King? (Act 5, Scene 2) | Prince Fortinbras |
| How does Claudius die? (Act 5, Scene 2) | … |
| In Aristotle’s concept of a hero’s tragic flaw, what does hamartia represent? | Just missing the mark(made small mistake that took him off track due to his tragic flaw) |
| What was Hamlet’s motive? | Wants revenge |
| What was Ophelia’s motive? | Wants Hamlet |
| What was Laertes’s motive? | Wants to avenge Hamlet |
| What was King Claudius’s motive? | Wants crown, queen and ambition and Hamlet killed |
| What was Queen Gertrude’s motive? | Wants everyone to be happy |
| What was Fortinbras’ motive? | Wants to take over Denmark and avenge father’s death |
| What was Polonius’s motive? | Wants job and a happy kingdom (to keep King happy) |
| Contrasting worlds: | Order and nobility vs. savage ambition for power (Hamlet=order and nobility) |
| Appearance vs. Reality (Disguise): | Claudius= pretends to be innocentHamlet= pretends to be crazy |
| Superstition/Supernatural: | King Hamlet’s ghost |
| Rise of One Person at the Expense of Another: | Claudius over King Hamlet; then turns to Hamlet over Claudius |
| Disorder in State or Family: | Claudius kills brother for queen/wifeHamlet killing uncle/stepdadHamlet kills PoloniusOphelia killing herself |
| Order Triumph: | Fortinbras gets kingdom (avenged father’s death successfully) |
Hamlet Packet Questions
July 6, 2019