Hamlet Content Questions – Act 3
Act 3, Scene 1
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Identify the lines that demonstrate for the first time that King Claudius is feeling guilty for the act he committed.
Summarize Hamlet’s famous soliloquy from this scene.
Discuss the double meaning of Hamlet’s famous line “Get thee to a nunnery.” Why do you think he says this?
What does Ophelia assume after her meeting with Hamlet?
Does King Claudius come to the same conclusion as Ophelia?
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile, pun
Key terms to be aware of: madness, suicide
Act 3, Scene 2
What is Hamlet’s view of the purpose of acting?
How does Hamlet demonstrate his trust for Horatio in this scene?
How does Hamlet demonstrate his mistrust for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in this scene?
Describe Hamlet’s feelings toward women in general and Gertrude and Ophelia in particular in this scene. Give an
example that demonstrates his feelings.
5. Summarize the content of the play The Murder of Gonzago.
6. What does Hamlet tell the King the play is called? How is this symbolic?
7. Discuss King Claudius’ reaction to the play. What is Hamlet now convinced of?
8. How does Hamlet treat Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at the end of this scene? Why?
9. What is Hamlet’s plan at the end of the scene?
10. Provide an example of the following from this scene: allusion, personification, simile, pun, metaphor
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Key terms to be aware of: trust, loyalty, the nature of acting
Act 3, Scene 3
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What does the King order at the start of this scene? Why do you think he does this?
What is Claudius so upset about? Summarize his soliloquy.
From Claudius’ soliloquy, what do we learn about his state of mind?
Does Claudius’ soliloquy make you sympathize with him? Does it make you empathize with him?
Hamlet has a great opportunity to enact his revenge in this scene. What causes him to once again procrastinate?
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile
Key terms to be aware of: the nature of kingship, sin, murder, prayer, and redemption
Act 3, Scene 4
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Why does Polonius hide behind the curtains in Gertrude’s room?
What happens to Polonius? What does Hamlet’s reaction say about his state of mind?
Describe the heated argument between Hamlet and his mother. What does he accuse her of? How does she react?
Why does Hamlet think the ghost reappears in this scene? Why has it actually reappeared?
What does Hamlet ask his mother not to do again?
How would you describe the atmosphere of this scene?
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile, allusion
Key terms to be aware of: incest, Oedipus, choler, weakness, lust
Hamlet Content Questions – Act 4
Act 4, Scene 1
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What are some of the fears Claudius expresses after learning of Hamlet’s murder of Polonius?
Now that Hamlet has had time to digest his deed, how is he feeling?
Is Claudius’ primary concern with himself or the state of Denmark in this scene? Explain your answer.
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile
Key terms to be aware of: appearance versus reality
Act 4, Scene 2
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What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern want from Hamlet? Does he give it to them?
Explain the analogy Hamlet uses to compare Rosencrantz to a sponge.
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile
Key terms to be aware of: hide and seek
Act 4, Scene 3
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Discuss Hamlet’s replies to Claudius when he asks him where Polonius’ body is. How do these replies fit in with
Hamlet'’ philosophy of mankind?
Claudius tells Hamlet that he is sending him to England. Why does Claudius let on he is doing this? Why is he really
doing it? Why is Claudius having trouble explaining Hamlet’s absence to the people of Denmark?
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile, apostrophe
Key terms to be aware of: black humor, obsession with death
Act 4, Scene 4
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What do we learn about Prince Fortinbras at the opening of this scene?
Hamlet’s mood in this soliloquy is very different from his earlier soliloquies. Explain the difference and its causes.
How does Hamlet compare Fortinbras’ actions with his own? What conclusion does he come to?
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile
Key terms to be aware of: the meaning of honor and bravery, the nature of heroism, fate and destiny,
war of conscience, acceptance, the nature of man (Great Chain of Being)
Act 4, Scene 5
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Describe the mental state of Ophelia at the beginning of this scene.
Describe Laertes reaction to his father’s death and his sister’s madness. How does this reaction differ from Hamlet’s
reaction to his father’s death?
Why is Claudius not afraid when Laertes attacks him and demands to know the whereabouts of his father?
Claudius once again proves himself to be a wise ruler. What does he promise Laertes to calm him down?
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile, metaphor
Key terms to be aware of: procrastination versus action, revenge
Act 4, Scene 6
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From Hamlet’s letter, would Horatio be able to detect a change in his friend’s attitude? Explain your answer.
What do we learn from Hamlet’s letter? What questions remain unanswered?
Act 4, Scene 7
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What is Laertes first question to Claudius about his father’s death? What is the king’s response?
What does the letter from Hamlet to Claudius say?
Describe King Claudius’ and Laertes’ plan for Hamlet in detail. What is Laertes one request in the plan?
Why does Claudius ask Laertes if he loved his father?
What do we learn about the fate of Ophelia in this scene?
Provide an example of the following from this scene: simile, metaphor, foreshadowing
Key terms to be aware of: revenge, villain, poison, contrast