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.