Hamlet
Act 2 Questions
Act 2, scene 1:
1. By means of specific references, explain how Polonius practices the philosophy
here. “And thus do we of wisdom and of reach,/with windlasses and with assays of
bias, /with indirections find directions out.” (2, 1)
2. Describe Hamlet’s behavior as reported to Polonius by Ophelia. Account for this
behavior.
3. What do you think of Ophelia’s character after this scene? What of Polonius?
Act 2, scene 2:
1. Explain the reason for the arrival of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at the Danish
court. What is Hamlet’s attitude towards them and why?
2. What report is brought to Claudius by the ambassadors to Norway? Why is this
important?
3. How does Polonius proceed to prove his theory about the cause of Hamlet’s
madness? What plan does he suggest in order to test it?
4. How does Hamlet react to the arrival of the Players? What use does he propose to
make of them?
5. Explain what Hamlet’s soliloquy “O, what a rogue” contributes to the plot,
characterization and atmosphere of the play.
6. What references are made in this scene to Hamlet’s madness? What is its dramatic
purpose?
Act 3 Questions
Act 3, scene 1:
1. What information does the King seek as he questions Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern?
2. What does Claudius tell Gertrude about his plan for spying on Hamlet?
3. Hamlet’s cold rejection of Ophelia, together with her treatment of her in the next
scene, prepares the way for her tragedy later. What is your attitude toward this
unfortunate girl?
4. It is interesting that the Queen says, “I shall obey you.” Who else, thus far, has
shown a blind obedience to the commands of others? To what effect?
5. The King gives the audience some insight into his own guilty conscience in an aside.
What does this admission tell us about Claudius? Does this show that he is not
entirely evil?
6. How does Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia change as the scene progresses? How
might you explain this change?
Act 3, scene 2:
1. The King says very little during the play in this scene. Is there some dramatic
advantage to his silences? What might these silences suggest?
2. Hamlet’s words to Horatio in Lines 55-76 are a fine tribute to friendship. What does
Hamlet particularly like in Horatio? How does Hamlet’s thinking on “blood and
judgment” and the “man that is not passion’s slave” contrast with the thoughts that he
has expressed elsewhere?
3. What does the soliloquy tell us about Hamlet’s mood after the play? Is its tone one
of anger, exhilaration or despair? How does it contrast with the “To be” soliloquy?
What tone should the actor suggest?
Act 3, scene 3:
1. There are three possibilities for the climax of this play: the play scene where the King
reveals himself as the murderer, this scene where Hamlet fails to kill Claudius, and
the killing of Polonius. Try to decide which one of these events makes the climax
irreversible.
2. Hamlet is in a bind because he cannot legally and morally avenge a murder that few
people realize is a murder. Claudius, too, is in a bind since he cannot repent and
keep the fruits of this crime. Which seems to you the most difficult to solve?
3. What measures does the King now take against Hamlet?
4. The King may be evil, but he is not self-deceived. How does he show that he
recognizes the depths of his crime?
5. How would you, as the actor, present Claudius’ soliloquy? Cynical? Despairing?
Bitter? Indifferent?
Act 3, scene 4:
1. How is this scene crucial for the development of the plot?
2. Describe Gertrude in this scene? At what point does she stop believing Hamlet?
Why?
3. At times Hamlet seems more upset by his mother’s marriage than by his father’s
murder. How does this scene support that impression?
4. With what words does the Queen admit to having a spotted soul?
Act 4 Questions
Act 4, scene 1:
1. What are Claudius’ chief concerts with regards to the murder?
Act 4, scene 2:
1. What is the purpose of this scene?
Act 4, scene 3:
1. What reasons does Claudius give for not proceeding with legal action against
Hamlet? Give some other reasons.
2. What are the details of the King’s play?
Act 4, scene 4:
1. What points of comparison and contrast are suggested between Fortinbras and
Hamlet?
2. Paraphrase Hamlet’s soliloquy.
Act 4, scene 5:
1. What dramatic purpose is served by Ophelia’s madness?
2. How does this scene bring out the contrast between Hamlet and Laertes?
Act 4, scene 6:
1. How will Hamlet’s return affect the plot?
Act 4, scene 7:
1. How does coincidence help to advance the plot in this scene?
2. Explain how the forces in opposition to Hamlet appear to have gained the upper
hand.
3. What reasons are given by Claudius for not bringing Hamlet to a public trial? What
further reasons might there be?
Act 5 Questions
Act 5, scene 1:
1. Explain how Ophelia dominates this scene.
2. Analyze the humour of the gravediggers scene and explain the dramatic importance
of this interlude in the play (lines 1-61).
3. Explain how Hamlet has moved from philosophical to concrete in his thoughts and
actions.
Act 5, scene 2:
1. What fate has Hamlet arranged for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
2. What is Horatio’s opinion of this?
3. How does the Orsic episode add to our picture of Hamlet?
4. “His madness is poor Hamlet’s enemy.” Explain this comment. What does it imply
about the “antic disposition?”
5. Could Gertrude’s death been a suicide? Explain your thoughts.
6. How did nemesis overtake Claudius, Laertes, Gertrude and Hamlet?
7. In what respect are Horatio’s lines “so shall you hear…inventor’s heads” a fair
summary of the play?