Hamlet Review Questions
Act One
1. How does the first scene of the play act as an effective introduction?
2. Find examples in the text of the following:
a. Oxymoron (Claudius’ opening speech, I, ii)
b. Classical allusions (Hamlet’s first soliloquy, I, ii)
c. Sexism (Laertes’ advice to Ophelia, I, iii)
d. Foreshadowing (Horatio, Hamlet)
3. Find passages from the text which demonstrate the following characteristics:
a. Hamlet
i. courage
ii. wit
iii. despair
iv. curiosity
v. fatalism
vi. philosophical nature
b. Horatio
i. skepticism
ii. cautiousness
c. Claudius
i. Diplomatic skill
ii. insensitivity
d. Ophelia
i. obedience
ii. innocence
e. Polonius
i. Wordiness
ii. meddlesomeness
f. The Ghost
i. vanity
ii. self-pity
4. How has Hamlet’s situation changed from the beginning to the end of Act One?
Act Two
1. What does the conversation with Reynaldo reveal about Polonius’ character? Quote the text as
support.
2. How does the opening paragraph of II, ii parallel the beginning of I, ii?
3. Characterize the various theories (from Polonius, Claudius and Gertrude) regarding the source of
Hamlet’s “madness”.
4. How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony effectively in this scene?
5. Demonstrate Hamlet’s ability to “see through” others. (Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern)
6. What purpose(s) do the players serve in this Act?
7. Is Hamlet’s delay in avenging his father’s murder justified? Why or why not?
Act Three Questions
1. Suggest why the “To be or not to be” speech has become so famous. Refer to both its content
and its style.
2. Why does Hamlet treat Ophelia the way he does in III, i?
3. Why might those attending the play believe that the King was justified in halting the
production?
4. Why might the events of scene iii be considered the climax (major turning point) of the play?
5. Based on scene iv, dsecribe Hamlet’s relationship with his mother.
6. Point out three examples of dramatic irony in Act III, each from a different scene.
7. Has Hamlet changed during the course of Act III? Justify your opinion.
Act Four Questions
1. Gertrude and Claudius show their “true colours” in this act. Give examples to show the nature of
both characters. Look at the un’s comments in IV, i, and v, and at Claudius’s statements and
plans in IV, i, iii, vii.
2. Contrast Hamlet’s speech in II, ii,305313 with his words in IV, iv, 3239.
3. Why is Hamlet impressed by Fortinbras in IV, iv?
4. a) What do Ophelia’s words as a madwoman tell us about hr past with Hamlet?
b) How is the language of flowers used by her in this scene?
5. Explain how Hamlet escaped on his way to England.
6. What plan do Claudius and Laertes concoct in IV, vii? How does Claudius manipulate Laertes to his
own benefit?
Act Five Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
What purpose(s) do you think the gravedigger scene serves?
Why does Hamlet react the way he does at Ophelia’s grave?
Paraphrase Hamlet’s speeches in V, ii, lines 10-11, and 209-213.
Explain the series of events which leaves so many dead in the final scene.
5. Why does Shakespeare allow Horatio and Fortinbras to survive at the end of the play?
Questions on the entire play
1. Hamlet is an illustration of one man’s search for his true identity. How do the seven soliloquies
reveal the character of Hamlet and his searching for his identity? How would the play suffer if
soliloquies had not been used?
2. Hamlet says to Ophelia: “I did love you once.” Four lines later he says: “I loved you not.”
Consider these lines in reference to the occasion (III, i). Consider also: Ophelia’s conversation
with her father and brother, Hamlet’s love letters, his treatment of her in II, I, and during the
play scene, and his behaviour at the grave. Does he love her?
3. What is there in the play to account for its universality and timelessness? What does the play
have to say to you?