Hamlet Study Guide
Know who says the following quotes:
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“A figure…armed at point, exactly, Cap-a-pe…”
“His doublet all unbraced, no hat upon his head, his stockings, foul’d, ungarter’d and downgyved to his ankle…”
“That great baby you see there is not yet out of his swaddling-clouts.”
“…her clothes spread wide, / And mermaid-like, while they bore her up…”
When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry
again.”
“Witness this army of such mass and charge,/ Led by a delicate and tender prince, / Whose
spirit, with divine ambition puffed,/ Makes mouths at the invisible event.”
“I am more an antique Roman than a Dane.”
“…frailty, thy name is woman…”
“A bosom black as death! O limed soul, that, struggling to be free, art more engaged.”
“Why, as a woodcock to mine own springe, Osric. I am justly killed with mine own treachery.”
Plot events:
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King Hamlet is poisoned by his brother Claudius.
King Hamlet’s widow marries her brother-in-law.
The night watch and Horatio witness the third appearance of the ghost.
Laertes asks to return to school in France.
Polonius orders Ophelia to reject Hamlet’s visits and gifts.
Hamlet witnesses the appearance of the ghost.
Hamlet learns who killed his father.
Hamlet is asked to avenge his father’s death.
Hamlet appears disheveled in front of Ophelia and grabs her by the wrist.
Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are invited to cheer up Hamlet and spy on him.
Players are invited to perform in front of the court so that Hamlet can observe Claudius’
reaction.
The King and Polonius spy on Hamlet.
Hamlet verbally assaults Ophelia and tells her he never loved her.
Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England.
The play is performed and Claudius has a reaction.
Claudius tries to repent, but he cannot.
Hamlet thinks Claudius is repenting and so he does not take the opportunity to kill him.
Hamlet confronts Gertrude and ends up killing Polonius.
Hamlet runs into Fortinbras’ army on their way to fight the Polacks and is inspired by them.
Ophelia goes insane.
Laertes returns and wants answers.
Hamlet is on his way home after pirates “rescued” him from the ship.
Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet.
Ophelia dies.
Hamlet returns.
Hamlet reveals himself at Ophelia’s funeral. He and Laertes fight.
A wager is set up between Hamlet and Laertes.
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Gertrude dies by drinking the poisoned cup.
Claudius dies by Hamlet’s rapier and by Hamlet forcing the poisoned drink down his throat.
Laertes dies by a poisoned rapier.
Hamlet commands Horatio to stay alive to tell the story. He also gives his voice to Fortinbras as
the next king.
32. Hamlet dies.
33. Fortinbras takes control of the situation and will most likely become king.
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Review all of your question sheets.
Know all of the characters - review who they are and what their roles are in the play.