Humanities: Literature
Renaissance Baroque Units
5 December 2013
Hamlet
Act Three, Scenes One and Two reading Guide with Embedded Questions
Due 12-10-13
Scene One (the “nunnery scene”) : As the plots continue, The King reveals to
Gertrude that they will use Ophelia to draw from Hamlet what is troubling him. Claudius
and Polonius will hide behind the arras so as to witness what Hamlet says.
Hamlet’s third soliloquy begins with what are probably the most famous lines of
the play: “To be or not to be…” 57-89. Read this speech and develop
commentary on a few lines of your choice (include line numbers and key words
please). What do these lines show about Hamlet’s state of mind? How do these
lines compare to the first and second soliloquies? Is Hamlet moving forward in
his attitude and will to act? If so, in what sense?
-- Hamlet in his “antic disposition” makes outrageous remarks to Ophelia (note he is out
of iambic pentameter, a signal of the antic disposition). Do you think he is revealing
his actual feelings about women in general and Ophelia in particular? Or is he
one step ahead of Polonius and Claudius and is just playing up the act for that
reason? Support your claim with evidence from the text.
--Ophelia is completely convinced—and shaken by—Hamlet’s remarks. Look at her
speech(153-164), try to capture the gist of it, and comment on what it shows
about her emotional state.
Humanities: Literature
Renaissance Baroque Units
4 December 2012
--Claudius does not believe that Hamlet is lovestruck, but rather that he is dangerous.
Why, do you suppose, does he decide to send him immediately to England?
Note also the famous line “By indirections find directions out” and the number of
characters who are practicing such arts.
--Ophelia enters and describes the frightful actions of Hamlet who, apparently in his
“antic disposition” showed up with his doublet all unbraced, no hat, dirty socks--a
disheveled mess.
--Polonius concludes immediately that Hamlet’s odd behavior must be caused by “the
very ecstasy of love” (102)
--Ophelia lets her father know that she has followed his commands about denying
access to Hamlet, and Polonius is sure that has driven Hamlet mad.
Scene Two: This is the famous “play within the play”—read it and write out a simple
sequence of what happens (5 or 6 items) lines 1-276—note form is fine.
--Hamlet is now convinced of the veracity of the Ghost because of the way Claudius
responded. Do you agree that this is convincing evidence? Why or why not?
Humanities: Literature
Renaissance Baroque Units
5 December 2013
--Hamlet lights in to R & G, convinced now that they are spies for the King. Lines 371380 are particularly effective in my opinion. How does Hamlet use the extended
metaphor of playing an instrument to strengthen his point?
--Hamlet’s short soliloquy (395-407) at the end of the scene seems to contrast
those that have gone earlier. Choose a few lines to analyze in terms of that
contrast.