Name: _________________________________
Hamlet Act Four Scenes One - Three Questions
Use complete sentences when responding. When providing in-text documentation, use the format discussed in class (I.i.74-78) – Act, scene, line range.
Scene One
1. In lines 13-24, what does Claudius reveal is the real reason he is upset over Polonius’ death?
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2. In lines 25-29, what does Gertrude say is the reason Hamlet killed Polonius? Why is this important?
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3. In lines 39-46, what does Claudius reveal he is afraid will happen?
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Scene Two
4. In lines 11-20, what does Hamlet mean by his comparison of Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern to a sponge?
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Scene Three
5. Re-read lines 1-11. Why doesn’t Claudius deal with Hamlet swiftly and harshly as allowed by law?
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6. Re-read lines 22-27. What does Hamlet say about death here and how is his understanding of death developing?
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7. Re-read lines 61-71. What has Claudius planned? How does this add to his characterization?
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Name: _________________________________
Hamlet Act Four Scenes Four - Five Questions
Use complete sentences when responding. When providing in-text documentation, use the format discussed in class (I.i.74-78) – Act, scene, line range.
Scene Four
1. In lines 18-23, what does the Fortinbras’ captain reveal as the reason Norway is attacking Poland?
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2. Re-read lines 34-68. How is Hamlet impacted by his conversation with the captain?
What does he resolve to do?
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Scene Five
3. Why do you think Gertrude refuses to talk to Ophelia at the beginning of the scene?
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4. In lines 5-14, why does the Gentlemen say Gertrude must talk to Ophelia?
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5. Re-read lines 87-96. What important information does Claudius reveal?
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6. In lines 100-110, what does the messenger reveal to Gertrude and Claudius?
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7. Re-read lines 222-227. What bothers Laertes the most about his father’s death?
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Name: _________________________________
Hamlet Act Four Scenes Six - Seven Questions
Use complete sentences when responding. When providing in-text documentation, use the format discussed in class (I.i.74-78) – Act, scene, line range.
Scene Six
1. What news is revealed in Hamlet’s letter to Horatio? What does this reveal about
Hamlet?
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Scene Seven
2. In lines 11-26, what TWO reasons does Claudius give Laertes for why he cannot kill
Hamlet himself?
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3. In lines 47-58, why do you think Hamlet so obviously reveals his vulnerability?
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4. Re-read lines 107 – 141. How does Claudius manipulate Laertes into volunteering to kill Hamlet?
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5. Re-read lines 142 – 179. What are the three steps that Claudius and Laertes will take to ensure the death of Hamlet during the duel?
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6. Re-read lines 183 – 200. Which details in Gertrude’s description of Ophelia’s death suggest that it was an accident? Which details suggest that it was a suicide?
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