“Hamlet” – Act 5, scene 2
1. How are R&G fooled and what is the
outcome?
They go to ENG with the letter of execution for
Hamlet. They switch letters so they are
executed.
2. What is Osric’s announcement? Give
Hamlet’s response and why?
Claudius wagers that Hamlet can win a dual
with Laertes. Provokes Hamlet to dual.
3. How does Laertes sell his soul for
vengeance?
Laertes didn’t stab Hamlet in the fight;
stabbed in back as he had chosen the poisoned
sword.
4. What is the “jewel”? When does
Hamlet say he will drink his wine?
Is the poison in the wine. Theme –
Appearance vs. reality
5. How can Claudius not admit reality to
save Gertrude?
Claudius is in charge of the plot; wants Hamlet
to drink the wine plus he doesn’t want to
admit to his plan.
6. Discuss the scuffle. What of note is
exchanged?
Both Laertes and Hamlet end up
wounded…Theres a sword exchange…Hamlet
wounds Laertes.
7. What is wrong with Claudius’
admission that Gertrude fainted bc/ she
saw Hamlet and Laertes bleeding?
Gertrude drank the poisoned wine…Claudius
continued to lie up until her death – THEME:
appearance vs. reality
8. How does Laertes get revenge on
Claudius? What does Hamlet do?
Reality is revealed – Claudius is treacherous
9. How are Hamlet and Laertes honest
before they die?
Laertes asks Hamlet for forgiveness before he
dies; Hamlet forgave him.
10. Why does Hamlet forbid Horatio’s
threat of suicide?
11. What is Hamlet’s declaration before he
dies?
12. How does Fortinbras achieve his own
“vengeance”?