Hamlet Act 3 Questions Seminar Prep Write 100+ words per question, not including quotations (which you MUST have for each answer, of course). 1. Examine 3.1.91-96: “Thus conscience… the name of action.” Although Hamlet appears to be referring to the idea of committing suicide, to what other situations could his musings apply? How would this possibly affect his view of revenge? Use apt references to the text. 2. In what ways is Horatio similar to Hamlet? In what ways is he a foil? Why does Hamlet say he admires Horatio? Explain this and what it tells us about Hamlet. Use apt references to the text. 3. Using evidence from the text, support whether Hamlet tells Ophelia “get thee (to) a nunnery” to protect Ophelia or to protect himself and men (3.1 131). To what extent is Hamlet’s view of women linked to his view of mankind? Use apt references to the text. 4. As Act 3 progresses, Hamlet’s struggle with the question of avenging his father’s murder intensifies. How does his desire for revenge affect his religious/moral beliefs throughout Act 3? Where do we see Hamlet’s attempts to reconcile his moral/religious beliefs with the ‘need’ to kill Claudius? Where and how does he argue (directly or indirectly) that killing Claudius would be the “right” thing to do, and not opposed to God’s will or religious principles? Look especially at the prayer scene (is Hamlet playing God?), as well as Hamlet’s response to killing Polonius ("heaven hath pleased it so/ To punish me with this, and this with me,/ That I must be their scourge and minister.”). Use apt references to the text.