Hamlet Discussion Questions
Write at least a paragraph response to 15 of the questions below. This is not a group activity.
1. Laertes, Prince Fortinbras and Prince Hamlet are all young men that have lost or lose a father and must find a way
to avenge his father’s death and reclaim his honor. In your opinion, who did the best job and why?
Prince Fortinbras he just let things work themselves out after he failed to invade Denmark. Laertes killed everyone
around him and Hamlet kept getting cold feet.
2. In Act III, Hamlet claims to have never loved Ophelia. However, in Act V he says he loves her more than anyone
else ever could. Was he lying the first time, the second time, neither, or both? Explain.
Hamlet was lying the first time and always had loved her but wanted to protect her.
3. Compare Ophelia and Gertrude’s characters and personalities throughout the play. How did they affect the
outcome of the play? Shakespeare has created much more strong willed women for other plays. Why did he choose
these two characters for this particular play?
Ophelia is a lot more strong minded
Gertrude used a lot of different ways to persuade the king to get what she wants.
4. Is Hamlet a likeable character? Is Hamlet a hero? Would you be Hamlet’s friend? Explain.
Hamlet is not a likeable character. He is not a hero because he is not somebody you would look up to. No, we would
not be Hamlet’s friend because he is not a likeable character and he tries to kill people.
5. Would you find Hamlet in the “Action” or “Drama” section at the movie store? Explain.
Drama because there is no action, not a lot of fighting. The whole story is fueled by drama.
6. Did the movie look like what you imagined as you read the play? How was it similar? Different? Which scene was
portrayed the best? The worst?
In the movie they had random weird scenes with people running around. It is similar because they both had similar
vocabulary.
7. Which actor/actress best portrayed his/her character? Why?
Hamlet because he got all the insanity right
8. Who is the strongest character in the play? Explain.
The King because he is the king and he has to be the strongest so that his throne isn’t taken over.
9. Who is the weakest character in the play? Explain.
Opheilia because she breaks down and goes easily insane after hamlet says he doesn’t love her.
10. Hamlet is angry because his mother married Claudius so soon after the death of old King Hamlet. Was Gertrude
having an affair with Claudius before her husband’s death? Was she in on the murder? Explain.
Probably not because she seemed shocked to find out that Claudius killed King Hamlet. Also
11. Are you a “thinker” or a “doer?” In this respect, what character in the play are you most like? Do you see this as
a good things or bad thing? Explain.
Thinker and the character in the play would be Hamlet as he thought his plan out but never acted on his plans.
12. Have you or anyone you have known ever seen or claimed to have witnessed some kind of supernatural being?
If so, give a brief summary of what happened. Do you believe in the supernatural? Explain.
Niki -> yes I believe in the supernatural. I have never really witnessed a supernatural being but in my house I my
dogs and cats will just walk into my living room and sit and stare at the wall with their ears up. In some supernatural
shows they have shone animals also staring at walls and other places and growling. My animals haven’t growled so I
take it that it is not a harmful spirit if that is what it is.
13. In Act I, Polonius gives Laertes a great deal of “fatherly advice” about how to live his life. Look back at this
section and find advice you have heard from your parents or others. Do you consider this advice valuable? Have
you used this advice? Have you been in a situation where this advice was beneficial?
Yes most of the advice has been valuable like “Treat everyone with respect”, “Always be yourself.”
14. To what extent do parents have the right to “spy” or checkup on their children? What circumstance might allow
or prevent this?
They have the right to worry but to try to run their life.
15. How are relationships between stepparents and stepchildren generally depicted in fiction or film? In real life
step relations, what conflicts and carriers must be overcome? What are the advantages, the positive aspects of
these relationships?
In the movies the stepchildren are usually aggressive and wanting. In real life its no different than a regular home.
16. Are parents generally blind to their children’s faults? Why or why not?
No. Parents are usually the ones to find their children’s faults because they know their children.
17. An “apple polisher” is a person who flatters others. Have you ever known one or been one yourself? Why do
you think people do this? How do you feel about “apple polishers?”
It can be good to be an apple polisher or brown noser for getting a raise or job interview but many people think
these people are annoying because some of them do it to get attention.
18. Write about a time when you discovered that someone was purposefully plotting against you (or someone you
know) for some reason. Explain the situation, how you felt, and how it turned out.
19. Which character in the play did you like the least? Why?
Laertes- kept trying to take over Ophelia’s life
20. Choose a character in the play that possesses one of the traits below. Give at least a sentence explanation for
each character. You can only use a character twice.
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the
right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country
Horatio – he trusted Hamlet’s decision
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners,
not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully
with anger, insults, and disagreements
Horatio – he never killed/hurt anyone and respected other people’s problems.
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control
• Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions,
and attitudes • Set a good example for others
Gertrude – tried to show hamlet what was right and wrong.
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t
blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly
Fortienbras – he killed everyone equally. But respected hamlets decision of giving the throne to him.
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Hamlet – he worried about all the people getting killed….but didn’t care about Laertes’s death.
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay
informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment •
Volunteer
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern – followed the laws given by the king.