Hamlet Act 3 Scene 4 Worksheet
Name:________________________
How does Hamlet use puns and wordplay in his opening exchanges with his mother? (3.4.8-12)
If we look within the dialogue for stage directions, how do you picture the scene taking place based on
3.4.18-22? (For example, what do you picture Hamlet’s mood, tone, and actions to look like?)
How does Hamlet’s violent stab through the tapestry to kill Polonius compare to his behavior thus far in
the play?
What is Hamlet’s initial reaction? Why do you think he has this reaction?
What does Hamlet mean in lines 32-34 when he speaks to the dead body of Polonius?
What metaphors does Hamlet use for his mother’s “act” in lines 42-52?
Hamlet pulls out two locket-sized pictures of his dead father and of Claudius, holding them out for his
mother to see. He then goes on to compare the two kings. What kind of language and imagery does he
use to describe his father (3.4.56-63)?
How does the tone and imagery shift when he begins talking about Claudius (3.4.64-68)?
What does Hamlet wonder about his mother in lines 78-83?
Is his lecture to his mother effective (3.4.89-93)?
What does she say about Hamlet’s words (3.4.95-97)?
Explain the metaphor Hamlet uses to describe Claudius’ taking of the throne, maybe even of the Queen,
in lines 99-102.
What does Hamlet anticipate the ghosts message will be (3.4.107-110)?
What is the ghost’s message? There are two main parts to it.
What does the queen mean when she says “Nothing at all; yet all that is I see” (3.4.132)?
The queen thinks Hamlet has gone crazy, but Hamlet explains that this is not the case. How does he do
so (3.4.140-145)?
What do you think Hamlet means in lines 174-178? What motif is he referencing here, and have we seen
this before?
In Hamlet’s final talk with the queen, he asks her not to tell Claudius that he is “but mad in craft”
(3.4.189). Does she agree to do what he asks (198-200)?
In his final speech in the scene, Hamlet refers to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who he knows will
accompany him to England. What does he say about trusting them (3.4.203-204)? Where have we seen
this image before, and to whom does this relate R + G?