Act Three

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Give the context of, and explain the significance in terms of plot, character and theme of the following;
“The harlot’s cheek, beautied with plast’ring art
Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it
Than is my deed to my most painted word.
O heavy burden!”

This soliloquy is the key to understanding
Hamlet’s character, as well as his state of mind at this particular point in the play.
It demonstrates his thoughtful, philosophical and introspective nature. Hamlet is no man of action( rather, he procrastinates) and we can see why Hamlet is so unfitted for his task of killing
Claudius.

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Copy the first 5 lines of the soliloquy, down to “and by opposing end them?”
Explain what Hamlet means when he says this.
What is the “consummation devoutly to be wished”?
What is “the rub” Hamlet talks about?
Identify a quotation which encapsulates Hamlet’s current dilemma.
How do you think this extends beyond Hamlet’s situation, and applies to all our experiences? What is
Shakespeare trying to say about human nature?

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If he can do it so can you!

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Act 3 Scene 1
“Get Thee To A Nunnery”
(Breaking up is hard to do!)
Describe how Hamlet behaves towards Ophelia in this scene. Give two or three quotations.
What does Hamlet’s attitude towards all women appear to be? Can you explain this?
Can you try to imagine and describe the emotions Hamlet might be experiencing during this scene. You should refer closely to the text.
Do the same for Ophelia.
Explain the significance of the question “Where is your Father?”.
What does Ophelia say that tells us the kind of man Hamlet is/has been before his apparent madness.
Quote Claudius’ last words in this scene and explain their importance.
How does Shakespeare further the theme of corruption in this scene?