Hamlet Short Essay Questions
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Act 1
What does Hamlet’s soliloquy in act 1 reveal about him?
What advice does Laertes give to Ophelia?
Identify the speaker of “To thine own self be true.” Who is he talking to, and what
does he mean?
When the ghost finally speaks to Hamlet, what does he reveal about himself?
About Claudius? About Gertrude?
How will Hamlet begin his plot for revenge?
Act 2
1. Identify who says, “What a piece of work is man!” Who is being spoken to and
what is meant by this statement?
2. What does Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act 2 reveal about him?
3. How does the performance of the play figure into Hamlet’s plot for revenge?
4. What does Polonius feel is the reason for Hamlet’s madness? How does Gertrude
feel about Polonius’ conclusion?
5. Why doesn’t Fortinbras attack Denmark as he had planned?
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Act 3
What does Hamlet’s soliloquy in scene one reveal about him?
Describe Claudius’ reaction to the performance of The Mousetrap?
What does Claudius’ soliloquy in scene three reveal about him?
Why doesn’t Hamlet kill Claudius in scene three?
Why does Hamlet kill Polonius?
Act 4
What events does Hamlet describe in his letter to Horatio?
Why does Claudius say he is sending Hamlet to England? How does this differ
from his true intentions?
What does Hamlet’s soliloquy in Scene 4 reveal about him?
Describe how Claudius and Laertes plan their revenge against Hamlet?
Why doesn’t Laertes cry for Ophelia’s death?
Act 5
1. Who was Yorick?
2. The sight of Yorick’s skull inspires Hamlet to discuss one of his favorite themes.
Explain.
3. What does Hamlet finally admit to Laertes in the graveyard?
4. Specifically, what was the fate of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? How did Hamlet
contribute to their end?
5. In detail, describe the fates of Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius, Hamlet, Horatio, and
Fortinbras.