Name:
Hamlet—Act III Reading Guide
Please answer each question in complete sentences, and as thoroughly as possible. Use another sheet of
paper if necessary.
1. What information are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern now privy to?
2. Ophelia enters immediately following Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy. What is their discussion
about?
3. Is Hamlet intentionally being cruel to her, or is he mocking?
4. What does Hamlet not know about in this scene? Did the plan work?
5. Does the reader know if Hamlet knows he is being watched? Is there a clue in the text?
6. What is Claudius’s reaction to what has just transpired? What is his plan now?
7. What is the importance of the play-within-the-play? Is Hamlet expecting a certain reaction from
Claudius? Gertrude? Ophelia?
8. Why does Claudius stop the play-within-the-play?
9. Did Claudius learn something that made him take this action?
10. What is the point of Hamlet talking about the recorder? Is there a lesson here?
11. What is Claudius planning to do to take Hamlet out of the picture?
12. What is Hamlet’s reason for not killing Claudius when he is at prayer? Is this a valid reason for not
carrying out his father’s revenge?
13. During Hamlet and Gertrude’s conversation, what makes Gertrude call out for help?
14. We know Claudius killed King Hamlet, but does Gertrude know? Cite evidence.
15. Why does the ghost reappear at this point in the play? Who sees him?
16. Whom does Hamlet think he is stabbing behind the curtain?
17. What is the result of the conversation between Hamlet and his mother?
18. What new information comes to light at the end of this act?