Hamlet
Act 2 Questions
1. What about Hamlet's behavior frightens Ophelia? How does Polonius explain the way he acts?
2. How do Polonius and Claudius decide to find out whether Hamlet is mad or not?
3. After his conversation with Hamlet, what does Polonius think about the nature of his madness?
Use text support from the play.
4. Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he is not really mad. Do you agree? Why or
why not?
5. What does Hamlet hope to accomplish by putting on a play for the king?
6. If Hamlet was your friend, what advice would you give him concerning Ophelia?
7. Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
8. Why have R&G been invited to the castle? What motives do they have for carrying out the
King’s request?
9. Why is Hamlet bothered by the fact that one of the actors is able to read about the death of
King Priam with such passion? Use text support to show this.
10. Is Hamlet’s hesitation in approaching his task of revenge a sign of cowardice or
thoughtfulness?
11. The level of suspense escalates in act 2. How does Shakespeare accomplish this?