Hamlet Study Guide Test Answers – Flashcards
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King Hamlet
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King of Denmark who is murdered by his brother, Claudius. His ghost will appear to his son Hamlet.
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Queen Gertrude
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Married to King Hamlet; marries his brother, Claudius, when the king dies
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Prince Hamlet
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Son to King Hamlet of Denmark and Gertrude; He comes home from school in Wittenberg because his dad was murdered.
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Claudius
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King Hamlet's brother. Uncle/stepfather of Hamlet; Murders the king/marries Gertrude.
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Polonius
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Chief officer to the new King (Lord Chamberlain)
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Laertes
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Son of Polonius
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Ophelia
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Daughter of Polonius (love interest of Hamlet's)
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Horatio
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Hamlet's most trusted friend from school (in Wittenberg). He is a man of reason and looked up to by others. They look to him for guidance.
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Guildenstern
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friend of Hamlet's from school
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Rosencrantz
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friend of Hamlet's from school
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Fortinbras
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Young prince of Norway, whose father was killed by King Hamlet. He wishes to attack Denmark for revenge and to honor his dead father
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Explain the quarrel between Denmark and Norway
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Fortinbras dared the King of Norway to battle, the King of Norway (Hamlet) killed him, all of King Fortinbras land was required to be surrendered by law. King Fortinbras son (also Fortinbras) is trying to regain the land back that his father has lost.
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Why has Horatio been asked to join the soldiers in the night watch? And what does he decide to do?
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The guards are trying to convince him that they are seeing a ghost that looks just like the King. He decides to tell Hamlet about his father's ghost
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How does the audience know the ghost in not a hallucination?
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All of the guards see it when it comes. Horatio is very educated and a credible witness, so they put trust and believe him. The ghost is dressed in armor- more credible than just normal clothes.
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How could this ghost be explained as a foreshadowing of coming evil (a battle is brewing)?
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The guards think that this ghost is coming because of the battle between Norway and Denmark, he started them so he should finish them type of thing. Horatio spoke of how ghosts kept appearing before the Roman empire fell. Could signify Denmark's royalty falling.
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How long after King Hamlet's death did Gertrude and Claudius marry?
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6 weeks
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Why is Hamlet so upset about the marriage/ in general?
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His father passed away, his mother remarried his uncle 6 weeks after his father has died, and his now parents do not want him to go back to school. Hamlet thinks that its incest because Hamlet's uncles and mother married.
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Why did Hamlet not become King after his father's death?
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Hamlet was not mentally stable
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Describe Claudius' personality and attitude
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Claudius seems to be one who doesn't care much about anything but having the power, Hamlet wants to go back to school but he doesn't want him to, arrogant, manipulative, snobby, wants to take over the kingdom, does not seem to care that Hamlet's father has passed away because everybody has a father passes away
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How does Hamlet describe his father?
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Hamlet speaks of his father as a man, the best king, God of light, had a very good relationship with his father, had nothing but respect for the man
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What are Hamlet's feelings about his mother and new father Claudius? Consider this line "Frailty, the name is woman!"
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Hamlet is not happy whatsoever with the new marriage. He speaks of how it has been such a short time period since his father's funeral and how his mother jumped at the chance to marry his uncle when she used to hang on his father constantly. Hamlet states that his mother was lustful and weak for remarrying so quickly.
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Explain Hamlet's state of mind. Consider the following quote: "O, that this too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!"
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Hamlet clearly doesn't seem very stable right now with all the big news and he is very depressed. He wants to commit suicide but he knows God would not approve.
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What does the King Claudius want Hamlet to do? Why does Hamlet give up his plan to return to Wittenberg (school) so easily?
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King Claudius does not want Hamlet to return to school so that he could keep an eye on Hamlet. Hamlet agrees because he wants to obey his mother.
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Describe the attitudes and values that Laertes gives to Ophelia and those which Polonius gives to Laertes.
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Polonius wants to make sure that the kids behave so that their family name is not tarnished.
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Explain the reasons that Laertes and Polonius give Ophelia to convince her not to trust Hamlet's love.
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Don't be a target of lust. Don't always say what you're thinking. Don't be too quick to act on what you think. Be friendly but not too friendly. Listen to many people but speak to few. Reserve your own judgment. Don't be quick to pick a fight but when you do hold your own.They stated that even the purest maid can find her reputation ruined. Worms can ruin flowers before they have a chance to blossom. Hamlet is of noble birth and because of this he can not make choices for himself (marry of non-noble name)
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Evaluate Polonius' advice to his son, what does it mean? "To thine own self be true"
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Polonius wanted his son to make sure that he was always staying true to himself. Contradicting himself- he's worried about what everyone thinks of his family
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What is comical about Polonius?
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Polonius is a hypocrite, he wants his son to be true to himself but he does not want his family name to be tarnished.
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What is the point of Hamlet's long speech: To be or not to be
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1.Denmark has deteriorated since Claudius has been the king. 2. The parties and the drunkeness of Denmark are giving them a bad reputation.
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Why do Hamlet's friends fear for him?
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Hamlet's friends fear that he won't come back, worried for his safety because they do not know if the spirit is evil.
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Marcellus states, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." What might this quote signify?
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This might foreshadow the coming plots, the uncle killing his father. Claudius is what is rotten about Denmark. Because the king is rotten, its contagious.
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According to the ghost, how did Claudius kill King Hamlet?
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He poured poison in his ear while his was napping in the garden. Serpent represents Claudius
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What does the ghost want Hamlet to do?
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He should avenge his death, leave your mom alone (God can take care of her)
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Describe Hamlet's reaction to the ghost.
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Hamlet is outraged and wants revenge on his uncle. But he is also scared of the outcome
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Discuss the nature of the ghost; devil or angel?
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Seems more devil like but has good intentions, wants what his right for his son and his kingdom
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In your opinion, is Hamlet mad (crazy)?
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Hamlet is a bit unstable but because of all of the stuff going on.
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List what has occurred between Acts 1 and 2
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This all happens within a couple of weeks. Ophelia has rejected Hamlet, she wants nothing to do with him.
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What do Ophelia and Polonius decide about Hamlet's odd behavior
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They go talk to the King because they think that Hamlet is lovesick and dealing with the rejection of Ophelia.
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How do you think Ophelia treated Hamlet?
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Was harsh to cut him off so abruptly but she was listening to her father and her brother.
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Do you think Polonius follows his own advice regarding his instructions to Reynaldo, considering the values he expresses to his son?
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Hypocrite, the dad is sleeping around but he doesn't want his son to do that because he doesn't want his family name to be tarnished.
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Compare and contrast Hamlet and Fortinbras (briefly)
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Both Hamlet and Fortinbras want to avenge their father's death (Hamlet- with his dad being killed off and Fortinbras- with his father's lands taken away, etc.), both had dead fathers
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Why has Fortinbras changed his plan to attack Denmark?
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Fortinbras swore to never threaten Denmark again, so he changed his plans and planned to attack Poland but wanted to go through Denmark to get there. Fortinbras's uncle did NOT want him to go attack Denmark
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Why does Claudius hire Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (R&G) as spies?
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Because they were good childhood friends with Hamlet, he feels threatened by Hamlet's madness
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How does Hamlet feel about R&G? Why?
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Hamlet knew that they had been sent by the king and queen when he saw the guilty look in their eyes after he had asked if they had come on their own free will. He knew they were honest men, has respect. He was excited when they first arrived, but once he figured out they were sent to spy he felt betrayed.
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What is the story of Hecuba and Priam? Explain the story's significance. What is Hamlet's reaction to the story?
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a. The story is significant because it shows that you should be upset over a spouse's death. But Hamlet was mad that his mother was not upset or grieving at all about her dead spouse. b.Hecuba is grieving over her murdered husband. c.An actor was showing more emotion than his mother was.
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What idea does Hamlet get from having the players in town?
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Hamlet decides to have the actors perform something similar to how his father's death was so that he could observe his uncle's reaction and prove his claim, that his uncle killed his father.
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What is Claudius' opinion of Hamlet's madness?
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He is unstable and he is not sure what he is going to do next
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What action does Claudius decide to take? Why?
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Claudius then wants to send Hamlet off to England because he feels he is dangerous.
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To what idea of Hamlet's madness does Polonius cling? Why?
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Polonius still thinks that Hamlet is lovesick because he does not know about Hamlet's revenge plan
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Describe and explain Hamlet's treatment of Ophelia.
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Hamlet acts as if he does not love her and treats her as if he did her major wrong, vents at her in anger, takes out his frustration on her.
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Is Hamlet aware he is being watched?
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Hamlet knows he is being watched which is why he gets even more dramatic.
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What is your opinion of Ophelia's reaction to obeying her father?
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I think that she should follow her heart because Hamlet really did love her.
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What idea is suggested in Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be..." speech?
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During his speech, Hamlet is basically contemplating suicide the whole time because he says that the world is so horrible to live in. But he is a Christian and realizes that he will be damned to hell if he does kill himself. He then decides not to commit suicide.
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What gives universal qualities to this speech? To be or not be
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It think that because of the way the message is presented, it can be relatable to many different situations. Everybody goes through hard times and choices. His speech is referred to the greatness of man speech.
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What does Ophelia say about Hamlet?
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That his once noble mind was overthrown by his madness. She thinks he is absolutely nuts.
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Why does Hamlet trust and admire Horatio
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He is a long time loyal friend.
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When Hamlet talks to Ophelia, what does he say that proves he has lost faith in her?
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Hamlet is a rude jerk to her and very disrespectful and acts as if she is morally corrupt.
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What does the play-within-a -play (Mousetrap) reveal?
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The play reveals the outrage of the king as it continues after the poison is poured. The king reacts to this part in the play which is exactly what Hamlet was expecting. Reveals Claudius's guilt
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What is Hamlet's attitude towards R&G?
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He is not happy with them. He made the point that they could not play him just like they couldn't play the recorder, he was not a fan of the lies. He was angered by their betrayal to him.
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What is Hamlet's state of mind at this point in the play?
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Hamlet now got a reaction out of his uncle to confirm that his uncle was the one who killed his father. I think that Hamlet is clearly still unstable in his mindset and he is ready to kill Claudius.
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How does Claudius feel about himself? What had changed?
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He is now feeling the guilt of what he has done and he thinks he might go to hell so he is looking at his options.
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How does Rosencrantz describe the role and consequences of being King?
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He says that the role of the King is to protect the people of Denmark, all who depend on his majesty. Denmark will suffer because of his actions.
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Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius when he has the chance?
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Hamlet realizes that killing him would not be a punishment while Claudius is praying.
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How does Hamlet behave towards his mother?
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Rude and irrational, he frightens her with his rage
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What changes after the ghost visits?
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Hamlet is gentler and nicer to his mom because the ghost reminds him that Gertrude should be left to God, and he shall only get revenge on Claudius.
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What happens to Polonius?
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He is stabbed to death by Hamlet (unintentional-thought it was Claudius) Hamlet drags his body into a neighboring room.
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Describe Gertrude's reactions to Hamlet. Do you think she is guilty in anyway? Explain.
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Does not show any signs of guilt
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Do you believe Hamlet when he says he is only pretending to me mad (crazy)? Explain.
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To an extent yes. I think he is slightly unstable but I also think that he was trying to create the image of his madness so he could continue on with his plan
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After learning of Polonius' death, what is Claudius' reaction? Why?
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Claudius continues to think that Hamlet is mad after he killed Polonius and is going to ship him away to England right away because he is a threat.
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Is Gertrude loyal to Claudius? Explain
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I think that Gertrude is loyal to Claudius in the fact that she still seems to think Hamlet is mad. She does not reject Claudius as Hamlet asked but goes along with Claudius's plan to send Hamlet away.
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How does Hamlet react now to R&G towards the end of the play
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He is annoyed at how well they comply to the Kings wishes. He doesn't want to share his secrets with them. He is rude and tells them how he feels. He does not trust them.
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What figurative language does Hamlet use to describe Claudius?
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He compares him to something. He refers to the king as an ape. He says that the king keeps them in their mouth, chewing them well before swallowing them. He uses a simile to compare the king to an ape because he uses men as he pleases.
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How does Hamlet react to being sent to England?
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He submits to going but only says goodbye to his mom to show that he is not happy with Claudius.
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Where does Hamlet say Polonius' body is?
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The worms are in it and then he says he is In heaven. But if you don't find him there, seek him in hell. Later says that his body is behind the stairs going into the lobby.
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What does the King's closing soliloquy reveal?
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That he plans for Hamlet to be put to death when he gets to England.
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What contradiction between his surface behavior and his real feelings is apparent?
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He is calm on the surface but its actually raging on the inside.
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What effect does meeting Fortinbras' captain have on Hamlet?
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It makes him think about why he hasn't taken revenge yet. Everything he comes across makes him wonder why he hasn't gotten the revenge yet. He is angry with himself for not acting against Claudius.
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What does Hamlet's soliloquy reveal about his present idea of himself?
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He doesn't think that he is great enough and decides that all thoughts of his that aren't violent are worthless. He thinks he is a coward for letting Claudius live and vows to get revenge.
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Describe Ophelia's behavior. How does Claudius react to Ophelia?
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Claudius blames it on Hamlet and wants her to take revenge. Ophelia has completely lost her mind and Claudius wants her to be watched.
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Ophelia distributes flowers to the King and Queen and Laertes before she dies. How do what these flowers symbolize relate to the characters and their actions?
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These flowers show that the characters truly do show that they care about their father. But it also shows Ophelia's madness.
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What news is revealed in Hamlet's letter to Horatio? What does this show about Hamlet?
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Hamlet was kept a prisoner on a pirates ship. It shows that hamlet fought for the others on his ship because they could not sail away fast enough. Hamlet is coming back and it shows that Hamlet hasn't completely lost his mind after being able to convince the pirates to bringing him home.
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Describe Laertes' response to his father's death. How he is a foil (opposite) of Hamlet?
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Laertes is quite upset and wants revenge immediately on his father. Hamlet was somewhat calm at the beginning and drug out his revenge plot.
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What will happen to R&G?
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He changed the orders to the letters to have R&G killed instead of himself.
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Why does the King tell Laertes he will not kill Hamlet himself?
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Hamlet's mother lives for Hamlet and the public loves him.
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Explain Claudius and Laertes' plan to kill Hamlet. How is Claudius taking advantage of Laertes?
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Claudius is using Laertes to kill Hamlet instead of making himself do it. They plan to have a duel where Laertes is going to dip his sword in oil that no man can be saved from if scratched with it. If that does not work, they plan to poison Hamlet's drink. Claudius knows that Laertes will do anything to avenge his father's death so Claudius uses this to his advantage.
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What happened to Ophelia?
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She drowned, she took her own life.
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What is symbolic about this scene? Her drowning
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The theme of suicide is present again. Ironic because she is "Drowning in her sorrow." (Flowers are present and she has them around her, she sings about them. Flowers are fragile and she is fragile)
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The clowns (gravediggers) discuss where and how Ophelia is to be buried. How does the issue of suicide affect the burial?
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Because she took her own life, she technically should not be getting a Christian burial. But being rich had its advantages. If she committed suicide, she technically wouldn't be allowed to be buried in a sacred cemetery.
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Who was Yorick?
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The king's jester
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How has Hamlet's attitude of death changed?
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Hamlet no longer fears death and realizes that everyone has to die at some point.
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What dramatic function do the gravediggers have and what theme do they express?
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Provide comic relief to relieve the seriousness of the scene. Theme: Death makes all people equal. Hamlet is fascinated by this because whether you were the King or a normal person, everyone becomes equal.
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Explain Hamlet's reaction to Laertes' behavior at Ophelia's' funeral
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Hamlet's pain, fear, and self-conflict make him go mad.
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Explain Hamlet's remarks to Horatio about fate.
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Hamlet said that if something was supposed to happen now, that it would. He also said that readiness is everything. Fate (in forms of the pirate's intervention and his possession of the ring) allows Hamlet to return to avenge his father's death. Fate as more power over people than most people'' desires.
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Describe Hamlet's state of mind before he fences with Laertes. How has Hamlet changed?
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I think that Hamlet knew what was going to happen but might have been okay with it knowing that he had a plan going into this fencing match, as did Claudius and Laertes. Hamlet seems much more sane than he did in previous sections. Hamlet is ready to face whatever comes at him, even if it is death. Hamlet has mellowed out but still ready to face whatever comes. Before when he was mad, everything was done out of fear and pain.
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Why does Hamlet apologize to Laertes?
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Hamlet apologizes for his madness doing Laertes evil rather than himself being the one in the wrong. He blames his own madness. Laertes' father's death was an accident. Hamlet compliments Laertes for his ability to act quickly and strongly.
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Explain how each character died in this scene.
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Gertrude drank the poison cup. Laertes and Hamlet were both hit with the poisoned sword. Claudius was poisoned as well when Hamlet forced him to drink the poison.. R&G were killed in England. Before Laertes dies, he confesses what he and Claudius had planned.
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Why did Shakespeare end it this way?
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The play was a tragedy. Fresh start at the end of this story.
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Who and why does Hamlet appoint to tell his story?
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Horatio because it will save Hamlet's honor (Horatio knew what really happened)
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Who will the next King of Denmark
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Fortinbras, it was Hamlet's dying wish because he claimed Hamlet's respect.
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What type of funeral was Hamlet given? Why?
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A soldier's (military) funeral because Fortinbras ordered it out of respect for Hamlet. Being honored for his bravery and courage.
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List in order the deaths that occurred in this play and how (there are 9 total)
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Old King hamlet- Claudius put poison in his ear, Polonius- Hamlet killed him by accidentally stabbing him, Ophelia- drowning/suicide, R&G- killed on the ship to England because Hamlet switched the orders in the letter, Gertrude- drank the poison in the cup, Claudius- Hamlet made him drink the poison cup/intentional death, Laertes- Hamlet hit him with the poison sword, Hamlet- was hit with the poison sword
