ENG4U - Hamlet Act I & II - Review Questions
Instructions: Answer the following questions for each scene. Include specific quotations and
references (Act, Scene, Line(s)) wherever possible to support your opinions.
Act 1, Scene 1
Ghost on the Battlements
1. As the play opens, what is the mood? As the scene ends, what is the mood? Find words or
phrases Shakespeare uses to establish these moods.
2. Part of Horatio’s role is to provide exposition. What has happened in Denmark that might
warrant a ghost stalking the castle?
Scene 2
Claudius is King and Hamlet plans to see the Ghost
1. The scene opens with Claudius addressing the court. Examine his speech and answer the
following:
a) How does he solidify support for his marriage to Gertrude and his coronation?
b) How does his reaction to the Fortinbras situation demonstrate his effectiveness as a ruler?
c) What are his feelings towards Laertes and Polonius?
2. Consider Hamlet’s first soliloquy.
a) What does it reveal about his feelings towards Gertrude and Claudius?
b) What does it reveal about his personality?
Scene 3
Advice for Ophelia and Laertes
1. What ‘advice’ does Laertes give to Ophelia? What does his advice reveal about his own
character?
2. Paraphrase four key points from the ‘advice’ Polonius gives Laertes and explain what
‘advice’ Polonius gives to Ophelia. What does his advice reveal about his own personal
concerns?
3. How does this scene create sympathy for Ophelia and Hamlet?
Scene 4
Hamlet follows the Ghost
1. What is familiar about the opening of this scene? Think of Scene 1.
2. Hamlet reveals mixed emotions after seeing the ghost. What is he confused about? Quote
specific lines which demonstrate his confusion.
Scene 5
Rumours and Murder
1. Explain why the spirit of Hamlet’s father cannot rest? Where is he ‘stuck’?
2. What really caused Hamlet’s father’s death? What had everyone previously been told?
3. What instructions does the Ghost leave for Hamlet? Quote Hamlet’s specific responses to
each.
Act 2, Scene 1
Spying on Laetres and Counseling Ophelia
1. Ophelia is greatly concerned over Hamlet’s behaviour, almost frightened. Quote three
specific things Hamlet does to show something is wrong.
2. How does Polonius explain Hamlet’s behaviour? What responsibility does he take, if any?
Scene 2, Lines 1 – 39
Old School Friends?
1. Why have Claudius and Gertrude invited them to Elsinore and what do they want them to do?
Do you think they have chosen the right men for the job? Why or why not?
Lines 40 – 84
Good News from Norway
2. What is the result of Claudius’ diplomacy with Norway? Do you see any potential flaws in
signing the permission document?
Lines 85 – 170
Polonius’ Solution
3. How do Claudius and Gertrude react to Polonius’ hypothesis about what is wrong with
Hamlet?
4. The motif of spying and setting traps becomes important to the play from this point on. List
who is planning to spy, on whom, and why.
Lines 171 – 328
Hamlet’s Wit versus Polonius and R+G
5. Is Hamlet really mad or is he merely mocking Polonius? Justify your opinion.
6. At the end of Act1, Scene 5 Hamlet says, “The time is out of joint; O cursed spite,/That ever I
was born to set it right!” (1.5.187-8). What is further revealed about Hamlet’s attitude toward
Fate and Humankind in this scene?
Lines 329 - 548
Players Arrive!
7. What private request does Hamlet make of one of the players? What does Hamlet plan to add
to the play?
Lines 549 – 607
Hamlet’s Plan – 2nd Soliloquy
8. To whom does Hamlet compare himself in this soliloquy? What does he conclude about
himself as a result?
9. What has Hamlet planned by the end of the scene? Why does he feel it is necessary to ‘test’
Claudius?