NAME:______________________________________________
One more question about Act IV:

Consider Ophelia’s thought, “We know what we are but not what we may be.” Discuss how it
relates to herself, to Hamlet, and to Gertrude.
Hamlet Act V Study Guide
1.) What do the Gravediggers (in some versions of the book they are called “Clowns”) talk about
as they do their work? How does Hamlet react?
2.) Who was Yorik? What thoughts does he inspire in Hamlet?
3.) Why is Ophelia denied the full rites of a church funeral?
4.) How has Hamlet taken care of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? What is Horatio’s reaction to
Hamlet’s story?
5.) How does Hamlet feel about Laertes now, as expressed in his conversation with Horatio?
6.) How does the King propose to rid himself of Hamlet at last? Describe what happened to his
plan.
7.) What does Horatio mean when he declares, “I am more antique Roman than a Dane”? (Scene
2)
8.) What is the last request made by Hamlet, as expressed to Horatio? Whom does Hamlet
designate to set the kingdom in order once again?
9.) Look at Hamlet’s remarks to Horatio in Scene 2 beginning, “Our indiscretion sometimes
serves us well…” How do these remarks reflect significant changes in his attitude toward his
problems and to life itself?
10.) How do you explain the queen’s final actions in the duel scene?
11.) Why do you suppose there are no soliloquies in Act V?
12.) What is ironic about Fortinbras becoming the new head of government? Think about the
report Horatio will give him.