1. What message do Rosencranz and Guildenstern carry to Claudius and Gertrude?
2. What is the main point of Hamlet’s famous “to be or not to be” soliloquy?
3. Describe Hamlet’s tone when he is speaking to Ophelia. Why does he address her in
this way? What does he tell her to do?
4. What do Claudius and Polonius decide about Hamlet’s condition after eavesdropping
on Hamlet and Ophelia?
5. Why does Hamlet give instructions to the actors?
6. What is Claudius’ reaction to the play, and what do Hamlet and Horatio decide what
this reaction means?
7. What message does Rosencanz deliver to Hamlet from Getrude?
8. Claudius has Rosencranz and Guildenstern prepare to do what?
9. Why does Hamlet not kill Claudius when he has the chance?
10. How does Polonius die?
11. What does Hamlet want his mother to do?
12. What is the double meaning of “get thee to a nunnery”?
13. Why does Hamlet admire and trust Horatio above everyone else?
14. Why does Hamlet speak to Ophelia in such vulgar terms?
15. What does Gertrude mean by “the lady doth protest too much, methinks”?
16. Why does the Ghost appear the second time?
17. What is Claudius psychological problem? What does he decide to do?