Hamlet Packet Questions

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 innocent
Hamlet= 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/wife
Hamlet killing uncle/stepdad
Hamlet kills Polonius
Ophelia killing herself

Order Triumph:
Fortinbras gets kingdom (avenged father’s death successfully)