English Hamlet Final

1.2 What are the topics of Claudius's speech?

-Mentions his brother's recent death and how although it is normal to be grieving, life should go on (thinking about himself) -Talks about how he married Gertrude and he has mixed feelings of sadness and happiness; it is a sad yet joyous time; he is doing what others advised him -Talks about how Fortinbras underestimates him and how he thinks King Hamlet's death has turned Denmark into turmoil -He says that he's written to Fortinbras's uncle, who is the present head of Norway, to stop plans of invasion and gives the job to deliver the letter to Cornelius and Voltemand

3.1 In response to Hamlet and Ophelia's interaction, what is Claudius' plan? What is Polonius' plan?

After Hamlet and Ophelia's interaction, Claudius declares the is sending Hamlet to England to get back the money England owes Denmark, with the idea that his journey will push his disturbing thoughts away. Polonius still thinks Hamlet's madness is caused by unrequited love; he tells Polonius, "Let his queen mother all alone entreat him/To show his grief. Let her be round with him,/And I'll be placed, so please you, in the ear/Of all their conference" (Shakespeare 3.2. 182-185). He is going to try and see if Hamlet will confess his feelings to Gertrude and spy on them.

3.2 What is Claudius's reaction to "The Mousetrap"?

After Lucianius in "The Mousetrap" poisons the king in the garden to get the kingdom for himself, Claudius yells in the middle of the play, "Give me some light, away!" (Shakespeare 3.2. 253). He then walks out, returns to his chambers and is extremely upset and angry.

4.6 What is revealed in Hamlet's letter to Horatio? What does Hamlet want Horatio to do?

In his letter to Horatio, Hamlet reveals that two days into their journey at sea a pirate ship stopped them and pursued a battle. Hamlet gave himself over as a prisoner to the pirates so Rosencrantz and Guildenstern could continue to England. The pirates are taking Hamlet back to Denmark. Hamlet wants Horatio to give Claudius the letters he's sent and to come to get Hamlet as fast as he can; he has many things he wants to tell Horatio.

Give me that man / That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him / In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart (3.2.71-73)

In many of Shakespeare's plays, the conflict between man's passion and his reason is apparent, especially in Hamlet, who vacillates between action and restraint. In the context of the quote, Hamlet appears to be referring to Claudius, who he hopes to catch with a guilty face upon seeing the play that Hamlet has orchestrated.

5.2 What message does Osric bring to Hamlet?

Osric tells Hamlet that the King has "laid that in a dozen passes between/yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits. He hath/laid on twelve for nine, and it would come to immediate trial/if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer" (Shakespeare 5.2. 161-164). In other words, Claudius has bet that Laertes will beat Hamlet in a fencing duel.

What a piece of work is a man! / How noble in reason, how infinite in faculties (2.2.303-04)

Part of one of the most famous of Hamlet's speeches in the play, the quote illustrates Hamlet's philosophical dilemma. He proclaims the goodness and beauty of man, but his father's death and the ill-fated events make him ponder whether it is all an illusion, and whether life is a meaningless sham.

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: / Words without thoughts never to heaven go (3.3.97-98)

Spoken by Claudius at the end of the scene, they express his futility in attempting to pray for forgiveness for his murder of King Hamlet. He is unable to relinquish everything he has gained from the murder, and thus has not atoned for the act. Consequently, his prayer lacks sincerity, and is merely "words."

what is hamlet based on

Story of Hamlet based on a Danish revenge story from the 1100s - Shakespeare modified to fill with dread and uncertainty Product of Reformation (Protestants broke away from church & skeptical humanism) Hamlet has constant anxiety about appearance vs. reality, concerns with religion (related to the Reformation).

claudius

The King of Denmark, Hamlet's uncle, and the play's antagonist. The villain of the play, Claudius is a calculating, ambitious politician, driven by his sexual appetites and his lust for power, but he occasionally shows signs of guilt and human feeling—his love for Gertrude, for instance, seems sincere.

3.1 What does the king's "aside" reveal about him?

The King's aside reveals to the reader that he is responsible for King Hamlet's death and he does feel slight remorse for his actions. He agrees to Polonius' statement, "that with devotion's visage/And pious action we do sugar o'er/The devil himself," and then goes onto say how those words make him feel guilty (3.1.48-50). Claudius does feel some type of regret and feeling of disgust towards himself for his actions and admits his false devotion to God.

polonius

The Lord Chamberlain of Claudius's court, a pompous, conniving old man. Polonius is the father of Laertes and Ophelia.

2.2 What is the significance of the arrival of The Players? How do they figure into Hamlet's plan to trap Claudius?

The Players reenact the scene where they recite a speech about family murders: the story is about how Priam was killed by Pyrrhus because he was avenging his family member's murder. Giving hints to his father's murder, Hamlet is discerningly choosing what and what not he wants to reveal before killing Claudius. Hamlet asks them to perform the Murder of Gonzago, but edits it to make the Mousetrap. He is most likely adding something that portrays his father murder; in return, he will observe Polonius's reaction to the scene and see if he really killed King Hamlet.

hamlet (character)

The Prince of Denmark, the title character, and the protagonist. About thirty years old at the start of the play, Hamlet is the son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet, and the nephew of the present king, Claudius. Hamlet is melancholic, bitter, and cynical, full of hatred for his uncle's scheming and disgust for his mother's sexuality. A reflective and thoughtful young man who has studied at the University of Wittenberg, Hamlet is sometimes indecisive and hesitant, but at other times prone to rash and impulsive acts.

gertrude

The Queen of Denmark, Hamlet's mother, recently married to Claudius. Gertrude loves Hamlet deeply, but she is a shallow, weak woman who seeks affection and status more urgently than moral rectitude or truth.

The Serpent that did sting thy father's life / Now wears his crown (1,5.39-40)

The ghost of Hamlet's father speaks these lines in explaining to Hamlet that Claudius murdered him, and that Hamlet must avenge his father's death. These lines set the stage for the basic plot in the play.

3.1 Why does he tell Ophelia, "Get thee to a nunnery" (give two reasons)?

After telling Ophelia that he never loved her, Hamlet says to her, "Get thee to a nunnery" (Shakespeare 3.1. 123). A nunnery is a convent where one can absolve their sins. Hamlet tells Ophelia this due to the fact that he is angry with his mother for being unfaithful and not mourning enough towards his dead father; this leads Hamlet to have a negative view on women. He tells Ophelia, "You/jig and amble, and you lisp, you nickname God's creatures/and make your wantonness your ignorance.../It hath made me mad. I say, we will have no more/marriages" (Shakespeare 3.1. 144-148). Another reason Hamlet tells Ophelia to go to a nunnery is because he is severely distraught with the world after he found out his uncle killed his father. He thinks that everyone cannot be trusted and is a sinner; he doesn't want Ophelia to be "a breeder of sinners" and that tells her that "we are arrant knaves, all. Believe none of us" (Shakespeare 3.1. 131). Hamlet is so disgusted with humankind and believes that women are the root of all evil men

3.3 Is Claudius truly remorseful about committing murder? Cite evidence to support your response.

Although he has pangs of regret and remorse, Claudius is not truly remorseful about murdering his brother for the throne. He says that his "offence is rank. It smells to heaven.../My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent" (Shakespeare 3.3. 37-41). He knows what he's done is terrible, and he feels guilty for it; however, he says that even if he prays for forgiveness, he is "still possessed/Of those effects for which I did the murder:/My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen" (Shakespeare 3.3. 54-56). He says that unlike other criminals, he can't do anything to get his brother back; even if he prays, there is no point as his crime is too horrible. He ends his speech to himself by saying, "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below./Words without thoughts never to heaven go" (Shakespeare 3.3. 98-99). These words reveal that he doesn't truly mean what he is saying about being guilty and remorseful over his brother, and in the end he is just grateful he finally has the throne.

There's a special providence in the fall of a sparrow (5.2.219-20)

As Hamlet prepares for a fencing match with Laertes, Horatio asks Hamlet if he would like a delay, but in an often-quoted speech, Hamlet refuses, saying that whatever happens is God's will, including the fall of a sparrow, a reference found in the Gospel of Matthew. Hamlet finally appears at peace, ready to accept his fate.

4.5 What is Claudius' concern as Ophelia exits the first time (lines 85-95)?

As Ophelia exits the first time, Claudius is concerned for himself, as he usually is, and he feels deeply affected by all of the events that are occurring. With Laertes returning from France about the news of his father's death, Claudius does not feel sorrow for him nor does he take time to consider Laertes' feelings, but he automatically fears that Laertes will believe that he is responsible for Polonius' death and come after him. Moreover, even after both Laertes and Ophelia lose their father, he still feels that the situation "Like a murdering piece, in many places/Gives me superfluous death" (4.5.93-94). Just like most other times seen throughout the play, Claudius' main concern is himself and puts his emotions over others who are more moved by the unfolding events.

4.7 Summarize Claudius and Laertes' plan.

Claudisu and Laertes plan is to set up a fencing match between Laertes and Hamlet upon Hamlet's return, and Laertes will use a very sharp sword to stab Hamlet. Laertes also adds his own twist to Claudius's portion of the plan by saying that he will anoint his sword with a poison so strong that nothing "can save the thing from death" (4.7.145). They believe that this plan is a sure way to ensure an accidental appearance of Hamlet's death, but the two of them also come up with a backup plan to poison Hamlet;s drink if their fist plan is to fail

2.1 What do Polonius and Reynaldo discuss at the beginning of this scene? How does Polonius' treatment of his son's behavior differ from that of his attitude towards Ophelia earlier in the play?

At the beginning of this scene, Polonius tells Reynaldo to go to Paris to see what Laertes has been up to. He wants Reynaldo to ask Laertes about some of his partying habits. Polonius doesn't trust his son's behavior, but he doesn't reprimand it; this contrasts how controlling heis over Ophelia and how he demands that Ophelia distances herself from Hamlet.

4.3 Summarize Claudius' soliloquy at the end of this scene. What does the audience discover?

At the end of Scene 3, Claudius speaks in a soliloquy directed toward the king of England. He says that if the king cared about him, which he does since Denmark has caused damage in England before which has caused the king to fear and respect Denmark, he would follow his request and kill Hamlet when he arrives in England. The audience discovers that Claudius sending Hamlet to England was a trap for Hamlet to be murdered.

3.2 Summarize/paraphrase Hamlet's soliloquy at the end of this scene.

At the end of the scene, Hamlet expresses how angry he is; he says he "could drink hot blood/And do such bitter business as the bitter day/Would quake to look on" (Shakespeare 3.2. 365-367). However, he tells himself he has to contain himself when he sees his mother; he says that he "will speak daggers to her but use none" (Shakespeare 3.2. 371). He will be cruel with her, but not inhuman.

3.4 At the end of the scene, what request does Hamlet make of his mother?

At the end of the scene, Hamlet requests his mother to not sleep in the same bed as Claudius: "not this, by no means, that I bid you do—/Let the bloat king tempt you again to bed" (3.4.185-186). Hamlet does not want his mother to continue to share a bed with his father's murderer, and he is trying to convince her to never sleep with him again.

act 1 scene 1: What do you notice about the opening question? Who asks it and why is this odd?

Barnardo asks the opening question, "Who's there?", as he approaches the castle to go on duty. The watchmen say this to each other, which casts a sense of doubt and mistrust. Shakespeare also questions the being of nature.

Alas, poor Yorick (5.1.185)

Because of limited burial space in Shakespeare's day , graves were frequently recycled. The graves would be cleared of the bones of the previous tenant, and would then be taken to a charnel house. This may be why Shakespeare left a curse on whoever moved his bones as his epitaph. When the Grave Digger clears a grave for Ophelia, the grave he is unearthing is that of Yorick, the old King Hamlet's jester. When Hamlet was a boy, Yorick would amuse the young Prince with jokes and stories. Hamlet, just returned from England and his adventures with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, has obviously had time to think about his ''to be or not to be" soliloquy, and has come to the conclusion that all men, happy or sad, comic or tragic, die.

5.2 What does Hamlet say to Laertes prior to the duel? How does Laertes respond?

Before the duel, Hamlet apologizes to Laertes. He blames his behavior on his madness. Laertes responds by saying he is satisfied with Hamlet's apology, but he tells him, "In terms of honor/I stand aloof, and will no reconcilement/Till by some elder masters, of known honor,/I have a voice and precedent of peace/To keep my name ungored" (Shakespeare 5.2. 233-237). In other words, he can't forgive Hamlet so fast because he wants to maintain his honor and reputation.

3.1 What are Claudius and Polonius planning to do? For what purpose?

Claudius and Polonius plan on spying in on and listening to Hamlet and Ophelia's encounter: Polonius says that he and Claudius "have closely sent for Hamlet hither,/That he, as 'twere by accident, may here/Affront Ophelia (Shakespeare 3.1. 30-33). They do this to find out if the underlying cause of Hamlet's insanity is that he is in love with Ophelia but she is ignoring him.

3.3 What significance does Claudius' final couplet ("words without thoughts never to heaven go") have in light of Hamlet's realization (lines 74-97) at the end of this scene?

Claudius ends his speech with the couplet, "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below./Words without thoughts never to heaven go" (Shakespeare 3.3. 98-99). These final words insinuate that what he does not really mean what he says about feeling guilty and praying for forgiveness. Ironically, before Claudius says this, Hamlet realizes that his father was killed by Claudius before he could repent for his sins like how Claudius is doing now; he makes a decision that he won't kill Claudius in the middle of him praying for forgiveness so that he doesn't have the chance to go to heaven in perfect conditions.

4.7 What two reasons does Claudius give for not taking immediate action in punishing Hamlet for the murder of Polonius?

Claudius gives two reasons to Laertes for not taking immediate action to punish Hamlet for murdering Laertes. The first reason is that Gertrude loves Hamlet and he is her life; Claudius says "she's so conjunctive to my life and soul,/That, as the star moves not but in his sphere,/I could not but by her" (Shakespeare 4.7. 14-16). Second, Claudius remarks about how he couldn't arrest or punish Hamlet because the public loves him too much; the public would "convert his gyves to graces—so that my arrows,/Too slightly timbered for so loud a wind,/Would have reverted to my bow again,/And not where I had aimed them" (Shakespeare 4.7. 21-24). In other words, whatever Claudius would say about Hamlet would end up hurting Claudius's reputation rather than Hamlet's.

3.3 At this point in the play, why is Claudius concerned? What is his plan for Hamlet?

Claudius is concerned because of Hamlet's crazy behavior; he says that it is not safe for him "to let his madness rage" (Shakespeare 3.3. 2). He also believes Hamet is on to him. He plans to send Hamlet to England on diplomatic business with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to watch over him.

5.2 Explain how the plot conceived by Claudius and Laertes goes wrong.

Claudius puts a pearl doused in poison into the goblet of wine for Hamlet to drink in case Laertes doesn't stab him with his sword dipped in poison. Gertrude, however, takes the goblet, does a toast to Hamlet, and drinks the poisoned wine. Right after she drinks it, Laertes strikes Hamlet with his sword, although he feels guilty about it; their swords get scuffled up, and Hamlet then strikes Laertes with the poisoned sword. Gertrude then collapses and realizes she's been poisoned; Laertes admits the sword and drink were poison and Claudius orchestrated it. Gertrude and Laertes die, and Hamlet forces the poisonous drink down Claudius's throat; Claudius dies as well. Hamlet, realizing he's going to die, implores Horatio to tell the truth of what Claudius did to Fortinbras and the rest of the kingdom. After Hamlet dies, Horatio tells Fortinbras that he will explain everything that happened to him.

2.2 Why are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in court? What impression do you have of their characters?

Claudius sent Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to his court because he wants them to talk to Hamlet; he says that he wants them to find out "whether aught, to us unknown, afflicts him thus/That, opened, lies within our remedy" (Shakespeare 2.2 17-18). Rosencrantz and Guildenstern seem to be the comedic relief of the play, as they both don;t do a very good job of trying to find out about Hamlet's sadness.

setting

Denmark during the late middle ages (circa 1200), though characters in the play occasionally reference things or events from the Elizabethan Age (circa 1500).

List the important facts that are established in 1.1.

Distrust, uncertainty, and unrest in the kingdom; preparing for war King Hamlet killed King Fortinbras who surrendered all his territories - now young Fortinbras has gathered outskirts from the country and want to take back their lands People of Denmark are still grieving that King Hamlet has died Introduces Horatio and how he is level-headed Queen has quickly remarried

A hit, a very palpable hit (5.2.281)

During the duel between Laertes and Hamlet, Hamlet scores a point which Laertes contests. Hamlet looks to Osric for a judgment of whether he scored. Osric replies with "A hit, a very palpable hit." For the Elizabethans, "palpable," which had originally meant ''sensitive to the touch," had come to mean **perceivable by any of the senses." Here Shakespeare also intends an ironic meaning: When Hamlet has been hit by the poisoned tip of Laertes' sword, he will feel it physically.

The lady doth protest too much (3.2.230)

During the play-within-a-play, The Murder of Gonzago, Hamlet asks his mother how she likes the play. His question is pointed. The Queen has been watching the Player Queen swear undying devotion to her husband and that she will never take another husband after he is dead. Her life will simply end. This, in Hamlet's opinion, is how Gertrude should have behaved when King Hamlet died. For Shakespeare's audience, *protest" meant to make a vow or a solemn promise. What Gertrude is actually saying is that the Player Queen's vows and promises are "too much,'' too pretty, too unbelievable. Unfortunately, we do not know what kind of marriage Gertrude and King Hamlet had, only Hamlet's perception of how they behaved toward each other in his presence, so that by her response, Gertrude may be implying that such vows as these are typical of a silly first love, and that such silliness is not part of her own second marriage.

4.4 Why are Fortinbras and his troops in Denmark?

Fortinbras and his troops are in Denmark to march across the country to invade Poland. According to the Captain, they "go to gain a little patch of ground/That hath in it no profit but the name" (Shakespeare 4.4. 17-18). In other words, they're fighting over a small patch of land that's not worth anything but it's name.

3.4 Prior to this scene, does Gertrude have knowledge of the details of King Hamlet's murder? How do you know? Cite evidence.

Gertrude does not have any knowledge that King Hamlet was murdered prior to this scene. After Hamlet kills Polonius, Getrude calls it a rash, bloody deed; when Hamlet says it's almost as bad as killing a king and marrying his brother, Getrude responds, "As kill a king?" (Shakespeare 3.4. 31). After Hamlet tells her again she's done an awful deed, she asks him, "Ay me, what act/That roars so loud and thunders in the index?" (Shakespeare 3.4. 53-54). Her responses to Hamlet's claims about these bad deeds confirm that she has no idea what had really happened to King Hamlet

4.5 Why do you think Gertrude does not want to speak with Ophelia in the beginning of this scene?

Gertrude does not want to speak to Ophelia in the beginning of this scene in the fear that she may reveal how Hamlet had something to do Polonius's murder to her. She remarks how her guilt makes her full of suspicions: "So full of artless jealousy is guilt,/It spills itself in fearing to be split" (Shakespeare 4.5. 19-20).

4.5 What does Gertrude's aside reveal about her thoughts (lines 17-19)?

Gertrude's aside reveals that she believes she is a sinner and she feels guilty. The reader is unaware why she is calling herself a sinner, but it can be assumed that she can either be referring to her sleeping with Claudius or feeling an involvement in the murder of Polonius. Either way, she feels that guilt "spills itself in fearing to be spilt" and is afraid that she may admit to Ophelia her sins (4.5.19). Gerturde is feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt and believes that disaster is going to happen soon.

4.7 What unfortunate news does Gertrude bring at the end of scene 7?

Getrude reveals at the end of the scene that Ophelia has drowned in the brook near the willow. Collecting flowers and leaves to make a wreath, she "fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide,/And mermaid-like awhile they bore her up/Which time she chanted snatches of old lauds... Till that her garments, heavy with their drink,/Pulled the poor wretch from her melodious lay/To muddy death" (Shakespeare 4.7. 174-182). Ophelia sang while she was drowning; she didn't realize the danger she was in.

4.1 What two things about Hamlet does Gertrude reveal to Claudius at the beginning of this scene?

Getrude reveals to Claudius that Hamlet heard Polonius behind the tapestry and in his madness stabbed Polonius and killed him. When Claudius asks where Hamlet has gone, Getrude says he's removing the body and that "he weeps for what is done" (Shakespeare 4.1. 27)

3.2 Why does Hamlet act so crudely towards Ophelia during the performance?

Hamlet acts so crudely towards Ophelia during the performance, because it is a reflection on how he feels towards his mother. Hamlet is undergoing a lot of emotions and frustration at this point in the play, and his feelings seem to be reflecting on the people around him. For example, some of the rude remarks that he makes to Ophelia throughout the play include, "As woman's love" in reference to brief time, "I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see/the puppets dallying", and "It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge" (3.2.139,230-231,233). These lines all express hidden rage towards females in general and have a misogynistic tone. Hamlet uses this tone towards Ophelia because he is boiling over in rage.

3.3 Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius when he has the chance?

Hamlet does not kill Calaudius when he has the chance, because when Hamlet walks in Claudius is on his knees and appears to be praying. Hamlet does not think that it would be revenge for his father if he kills Calaudius at the perfect moment in time for him to repent his sins and allow his soul to go to Heaven, and just as Calaudius did not allow for King Hamlet to repent his sins, Hamlet does not want Caladius to have that change. Hamlet would rather wait until "he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,/or in the insectuous please of his bed" to kill him (3.3.90-91). As a result, if Calaudius is killed during a sinful act =, his soul will not be allowed entry to Heaven.

3.4 What does Hamlet intend to do concerning Gertrude at the beginning of this scene?

Hamlet intends to confront Gertrude about her marrying his father's brother not even a month after he was murdered and how vile she is for this. He tells her that she has done "such a deed/As from the body of contraction plucks/The very soul, and sweet religion makes/A rhapsody of words" (Shakespeare 3.4. 47-49). Hamlet then continues to show her a photo of King Hamlet and Claudius, noting how superior his father is to his uncle.

4.4 Hamlet's last line in this scene is "Oh, from this time forth,/My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" How has his attitude changed since the beginning of the play?

Hamlet is saying that for now on, if his thoughts aren't bloody or violent, they are worthless to him. Unlike the beginning of the play when he had doubts over if his uncle was guilty, Hamlet now will not think twice about killing Claudius and will have no shame in doing it. He is upset with himself for not avenging his father's death yet while 20,000 men go to invade Poland for a piece of land that doesn't mean anything. He has changed his mindset and will now stop doubting himself to commit violent acts

3.1 Does Hamlet know he and Ophelia are being watched? Give evidence.

Hamlet knows he and Ophelia are being watched, and he seems to be putting on a front for Claudius and Polonius who are watching. While Hamlet and Ophelia are talking, Hamlet asks her "where's your father?" but seems to know the answer already (3.1.131). He wanted to seem like he was clueless to her father;s presence, while also getting Polonius' attention.

5.1 Why does Hamlet leap into the grave after Laertes?

Hamlet leaps into the grave after Laertes because they are fighting each other over who loved Ophelia more. Hamlet, just learning about Ophelia's death, is distraught; seeing that Laertes has just jumped into her grave, Hamlet wants to show his sorrow is just as great as Laertes'. Hamlet exclaims to Laertes, "I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers/Could not with all their quantity of love/Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her?" (Shakespeare 5.1. 255-257). It is obviously a battle between the two over who loved Ophelia more.

4.7 What does Hamlet reveal in his letter to Claudius? Why is Claudius surprised by the news?

Hamlet reveals in his letter to Claudius that he is not in England where the king sent him, but has returned to Denmark by writing "recount the occasion of my sudden and more strange/return" (4.7.47-48). CLaudisu is surprised by the news because he thought he had finally taken care of and gotten rid of Hamlet and did not expect him to make his way back to Denmark.

3.1 What is the question Hamlet is asking in his famous soliloquy (two possibilities)? Use evidence to support your answer.

Hamlet starts off his famous soliloquy with the question, "To be, or not to be?" (Shakespeare 3.1. 57). In this question, he could be asking two things. The first question he could be asking is, "Is it better to be alive or dead?" He elaborates on this possible question in the rest of his soliloquy, saying that most people would put an end for their life if it weren't for the fact "that sleep of death what dreams may come/When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,/Must give us pause" (Shakespeare 3.1. 66-69). The question he could also be asking is displaying his struggle with self-doubt. Throughout his soliloquy, he discusses the idea of committing suicide when it comes to other people; however, he does not address if he himself has ever contemplated suicide. This gives more depth to Hamlet's character and reveals the fact that there are some things in Hamlet's mind he can't think about directly.

5.2 What is Hamlet's last request of Horatio?

Hamlet's last request of Horatio is for Horatio to tell the full story of what Claudius did to his father to Fortinbras and the people of Denmark; he says to Horatio, "Horatio, I am dead./Thou livest. Report me and my cause aright/To the unsatisfied" (Shakespeare 5.2. 339-341). Horatio lives out Hamlet's request and tells Fortinbras he will explain everything.

3.2 In line 341, Hamlet asks Guildenstern, "'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe?" What is Hamlet's purpose in comparing himself to a pipe? What is his point?

Hamlet's purpose of comparing himself to a pipe is admitting to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he knows why they are there and what games they are trying to play on him. Hamlet makes fun of the men and comares their inability to play the pipe to their inability to play him and exposes them for their actions.

4.4 Hamlet is affected by his conversation with the captain. Analyze his soliloquy at the end of this scene. How does it parallel Hamlet's soliloquy at the end of Act II, scene 2 (after his interaction with the players)?

Hamlet's soliloquy at the end of this scene begins with him reflecting on how long it has been since his fathers's ghost came to him, and yet he still did not get his revenge. Hamlet questions why he is still alive to say that he needs to do a deed instead of already having done it. Hamlet also questions his place in comparison to others such as Fortinbras. He then ends his soliloquy by stating that from now on, all of his thoughts will be violent. The Act II, scene 2 soliloquy parallels the one in this Act, because he likewise harps on and resents himself for not acting and being hesitant in his revenge for his father. He compares himself to the player who holds and shows much emotion for a situation that he is not involved with to himself, just as he compares himself to Fortinbras and his ability to take action in this soliloquy. Similarly, in this soliloquy, Hamlet also expresses anger towards himself and his inability to be brave and take action.

The time is out of joint: O cursed spite, / That I ever was born to set it right (1.5.188-89)

Hamlet, now with the burden of avenging his father's death, laments his state. The quote illustrates Hamlet's view of the enormity of the task, and foreshadows his wavering and hesitation.

3.2 Cite evidence to suggest that Horatio is aware of Hamlet's situation.

Horatio is aware of Hamlet's situation due to the fact that Hamlet tells Horatio about the ghost when he saw him. Hamlet praises Horatio and tells him about the plan to show the king the play and to watch his reaction; Horatio agrees with the plan and tells him he'll watch the king closely. After the play, Horatio agrees with Hamlet that the king's reaction was telling that he murdered Hamlet's father.

Describe Horatio. Give two or three words to describe your first impression.

Horatio is trustworthy, logical, and faithful. He lives on to tell Hamlet's story as he is one of the only people that knows what happened behind the scenes.

5.2 Horatio, always the voice of reason, tells Hamlet, "If your mind dislike anything, obey it. I will forestall their/repair hither and say you are not fit." Why does he say this? What is he referencing?

Horatio says that if something is telling him not to play, he should listen to it; he'll tell Claudius that Hamlet is not feeling well. He says this because he is concerned that Hamlet will lose the duel. This could be a reference back to when Hamlet had doubts about killing Claudius.

5.2 What is your final impression of Laertes?

I think that Laertes in the end regrets his evil plot with Claudius to kill Hamlet, and although he's conflicted with his feelings over Hamlet murdering his father, he forgives Hamlet before he dies and realizes Claudius is the evil one. He says after Claudius dies, "He is justly served./It is a poison tempered by himself./Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet./Mine and my father's death come not upon thee,/Nor thine on me" (328-332). In the end, I think Laertes is a conflicted character who wanted revenge for his father, but didn't know the full details of what actually happened.

2.2 What do you learn about Hamlet in this soliloquy? What ideas that you already had are confirmed or denied?

In this soliloquy, the reader learns that Hamlet has been having self-doubt and questioning if the ghost was really telling the truth or not. I thought that Hamlet already had a plan in motion going into this act; however, this idea was obviously proven to be not true. I can't really tell if Hamlet's insanity is an act or is really true, as he is struggling with self-doubt and troubling thoughts over the terrible question if his uncle murdered his father.

4.1 Does it seem that Gertrude is protecting Hamlet's secret of only pretending to be insane, or is she turning to Claudius because she's afraid of her son's madness and inexplicable behavior? In other words, is she more concerned about protecting Hamlet or protecting Claudius?

It seems that Gertrude is actually protecting Hamlet and is trying to keep his secret that he is only pretending to be insane. As soon as she approaches Claudius, she screams that Hamlet is as "Mad as the sea and wind when both contend/Which is the mightier," and works to convince Claudius that Hamlet has truly lost his sanity (4.1.7-8). She does not say this because she is turning to Claudius or is afraid of Hamlet, because she then goes on to stand up for Hamlet by saying "He weeps for what is done" (4.1.27). If Gertrude was not trying to project Hamlet then she would not be trying to defend him or be attempting to lessen the severity of Hamlet's actions. Gertrude's actions in this scene are driven by her love and desire to protect her son.

4.5 Why has Laertes returned from France?

Laertes has returned from France after hearing about his father's death and is planning to overtake the kingdom. At first, he thinks that Claudius has killed Polonius, and he comes back to get revenge. However, Claudius convinces Laertes that he didn't kill Polonius, and Laertes wants to get to the bottom of who killed his father.

4.5 In what way(s) is Laertes a foil to Hamlet?

Laertes is a foil to Hamlet because while the two of them both lost their fathers to murderers and want to get revenge, Hamlet is reserved in taking action and cares about the consequences, while Laertes is not concerned with what may happen to him afterwards. It has been weeks since Hamlet has been wanting to avenge his father's death, but he still has not killed Claudius because he is scared of the consequences. On the other hand, immidatky after he heard the news of his father's murder, Laertes is determined to figure out who it is and get revenge. In this scene, Laertes cries, "I dare damnation.To this point I stand/That both the worlds I give to negligence./Let come what comes, only I'll be revenged/Most thoroughly for my father" (4.5.131-134). Leartes' only concern is avenging his father and not what will happen to him in any other life.

4.7 Discuss how the following lines are ironic: Laertes: "To cut his throat i' th' church." Claudius: "No place, indeed, should murder sanctuarize."

Laertes is saying that he would prove he is his father's son by killing Hamlet in a church; Claudius responds that it's true that not even a church could offer any sort of refuge to "the murderer" Hamlet. Ironically, Hamlet earlier in the play had the chance to kill Claudius when he was praying; Hamlet, however, decided not to because he was praying to God.

4.5 What types of revelations does Ophelia make through her seemingly nonsensical songs and phrases?

Ophelia, in her madness, sings many songs and phrases that don't make any sense on surface level but in reality have a deeper meaning. Ophelia sings about her father, "He is dead and gone, lady,/He is dead and gone" (Shakespeare 4.5. 28-29). While this is about Polonius, it could also be about Hamlet: he has gone to England and it is planned for him to be killed there. She continues to sing about the day before St. Valentine's Day; she says that a man "rose, and donned his clothes,/And dupped the chamber door./Let in the maid that out a maid/Never departed more" (Shakespeare 4.5. 53-54). She then says that when the girl asks the man why he didn't marry her, he "answers, 'So would I ha' done, by yonder sun,/An thou hadst not come to my bed'" (Shakespeare 4.5. 64-65). Ophelia could be revealing that Hamlet took her virginity and then didn't marry her because she slept with him, which would make sense to her because he told her to go to a nunnery and never have children earlier in the play.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark (1.4.90)

Marcellus, a guard on duty at Elsinore at the opening of Hamlet, recognizes that all is not well with the government of Denmark when he and Horatio go to tell Hamlet they have seen his father's Ghost. He bases this belief on the Ghost appearing on the ramparts, the non-stop, around-the-clock preparations for war at the castle, and the wedding of the widow to her brother-in-law so quickly after the funeral of her first husband, his brother. Though Hamlet beckons the men to follow him when he meets the Ghost, they refuse to follow someone in such a manic state. Hamlet, however, who does not hear Marcellus's remark, had previously referred to Denmark as "an unweeded garden/That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature / Possess it merely'' (1.2.135-137). Everyone, not just Hamlet, Marcellus, and Horatio, will soon know just how far the rot extends.

5.2 How does Hamlet foil Claudius' plan on the ship to England? What happens to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

On the ship, Hamlet finds and reads the letter that Claudius sent to the king of England to order him to cut Hamlet's head off. To foil Claudius's plan, Hamlet rewrites the letter to the king so that "he should the bearers put to sudden death, No shriving time allowed" (Shakespeare 5.2. 48-49). The letters are switched out. Given that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were ordered to deliver the letter to the king, they are killed by the English after they deliver the letter.

3.1 What is Ophelia's reaction to Hamlet's behavior in this scene?

Ophelia seems to be very frightened and concerned for Hamlet after his behavior in this scene. During their conversation, Ophelia cries, "Heavenly powers, restore him" and exclaims how Hamlet needs help (3.1.142). Moreover, after Hamlet exits, Ophelia recalls how scholarly and sane Hamlet used to be and compares him to the way he had just acted in front of her. She claims that she is now miserable to have witnessed Hamlet's tragic fall to his current state.

2.1 What view of Hamlet does the audience get from Ophelia's account of his visit?

Ophelia tells her father that Hamlet was "Pale as his shirt, his knees knocking each other;/And with a look so piteous in purport/As if he had been loosed out of hell/....took me by the wrist and held me hard.?...He falls to such a perusal of my face/As he would draw it" (Shakespeare 2.1. 81-91). To Ophelia and Polonius, they think that Hamlet is going mad; however, the audience knows that Hamlet is doing as he said earlier in Act I and is putting on an act that makes him look insane.

2.1 What does Polonius intend to do with the information about Hamlet's madness? Why?

Polonius plans to tell the king about this information because everyone in the kingdom is concerned that Hamlet is going mad; however, they don't know that it is because Ophelia, his love, has been avoiding Hamlet.

Method in the madness (2.2.205-206)

Polonius, trying to discover what ails Hamlet, comes upon him reading, and engages him in conversation. Though Hamlet's responses do not make much sense, Polonius can see that they could not be the ravings of a madman (such as will be seen with Ophelia), but that they seem to be carefully crafted responses. Hamlet is using Polonius's own techniques to make fun of the old man by enumerating the many characteristics of feeble, old men. The phrase really reads: "Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't." Like many of the phrases from Hamlet, we often change it to: there's a method to my madness.

Cruel to be kind (3.4.178)

Polonius, with Gertrude and Claudius's approval, intends to cure Hamlet of his lovesickness by getting Gertrude to tell him to snap out of it. Hamlet, who has just been given an opportunity to kill Claudius in the chapel, goes to see his mother to beg her to give up Claudius. Their exchange is fiery and angry. Hamlet murders Polonius, who is hiding behind the arras and sees his father's Ghost again. Hamlet spends a good deal of time trying to rationalize his action against Polonius, but then his thoughts turn again to his mother. He begs her not to sleep with Polonius and she agrees. Realizing that so much violence has passed during their meeting, he tells her that he "must be cruel only to be kind." But Hamlet is also speaking to the audience, letting them know that his treatment of Ophelia, Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern fits into his plan for revenge of his father's murder. In order to be kind to those who have been tainted by Claudius, Hamlet must be cruel and mad.

To be, or not to be (3.1.56)

Probably the most famous of Shakespeare's quotes, this line occurs just before Hamlet's confrontation with ophelia. Hamlet debates whether he should go thru with his plan to kill claudius or give up and kill himself

3.3 Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern loyal friends to Hamlet? How do you know? Cite evidence.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are not loyal friends to Hamlet, because they are going behind his back to converse and plan with Calaudius, and they are not truly concerned for Hamlet or perform any actions to genuinely help him. For example, the two men are going to England with Hamlet not because they are concerned for him and believe that they can help make him better, but because it is Calaudius' request: "most holy and religions fear it is/To keep those many, many bodies safe/That live and feed upon your Majesty" (3.3.8-10). If Rosencrantz and Guildentern were true, loyal friends of Hamlet, they would not be secretly making plans with the King and they would want to help Hamlet out of the concern in their hearts, not because they were ordered to.

5.2 Why does Shakespeare have Fortinbras enter at the end?

Shakespeare has Fortinbras enter at the end to assure the reader that Hamlet's reputation after his death will not be that he was insane; instead, his story will be told to Fortinbras, and he will be honored. Fortinbras even says that "the soldiers' music and the rites of war/Speak loudly for him[Hamlet].../ bid the soldiers shoot" (Shakespeare 5.2. 404-408). Fortinbras' entrance could also signify his presence as a foil to Hamlet and what a successful king who avenged his father's murder looks like.

O, from this time forth, / My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth (4.4.65-66)

Shocked and dismayed at his inability to act, Hamlet firmly resolves at the close of this scene to take action. In this soliloquy he compares his inaction with Prince Fortinbras and his army, who are bravely fighting over a plot of land, the latter fighting and dying for causes far less compelling than Hamlet's.

5.1 Describe the language of the gravediggers, including the interaction with Hamlet.

The gravediggers are very blunt and straightforward; they say things literally as they are. Their words can be interpreted comically, as their responses are so straightforward it can be seen as sarcastic. With each other, they joke about death; with Hamlet, the gravedigger avoids Hamlet's questions about who the body is by giving blunt answers. For example, when Hamlet asks the gravedigger whose grave he's digging, the gravedigger replies, "Mine, sir" (Shakespeare 5.1. 109). He says this because this was his grave he was assigned to dig; it's not actually his own grave he will die in.

5.1 What do the gravediggers reveal about Ophelia's death?

The gravediggers reveal that Ophelia's death could have been a suicide. The gravedigger remarks, "If I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act. And an/act hath three branches—it is to act, to do, to perform./Argal, she drowned herself wittingly" (Shakespeare 5.1. 9-11). They then go on to say how if it was a normal person who died this way, they wouldn't have gotten a proper burial like Ophelia is.

3.4 At what point does Gertrude begin to consider the truth of Hamlet's words?

The point where Gertrude begins to consider the truth of Hamlet's words is directly after Hamlet shows her the picture of his father and Calaudius and compares the two of them, explaining how Calaudius is nothing in comparison to Hamlet. After hearing Hamlet's words about her being blinded and evil overtaking her, Gertrude tells Hamlet, "Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very soul,/and there I see such blacck and grained spots" (2.4.90-91). Gertrude admits to knowing that she has been committing sins by marrying and sleeping with Calaudius and confesses to having a soiled soul.

4.5 Discuss the significance of the types of flowers Ophelia distributes to Laertes, Gertrude, Claudius, and herself.

When Laertes arrives, she passes out flowers. She gives rosemary for remembering and pansies for thoughts to Laertes, so he can remember their father and know he is always in Opehlia's thoughts. She gives fennel and columbines to Gertrude, which symbolize adultery; we don't know if Ophelia knows if she cheated on her past husband, but it suggests that Gertrude could have and she has committed the sin of marrying her husband's brother. Finally, to Claudius, she gives him a rue for repentance, because he killed King Hamlet; a daisy for unhappy love, which suggests that he doesn't truly love Gertrude; and violets for faithfulness which are all dried up, suggesting that Claudius is not faithful.

4.2 Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, "The body is with the king, but the king is not with the body./The king is a thing—" (line 25). Explain what he means.

These lines are just one example of Shakespeare's brilliant play on words that Hamlet says as a way to confuse and convince those around him that he is going mad. The first portion of the quote, "The body is with the king," is referring to the people of Denmark as the body and Claudius as the king, suggesting that the citizens are in support of Claudius. However, the second part, " but the king is not with the body," is opposite the first and suggests that Claudius does not have the best interest of his people in mind. The final portion., "The king is a thing," is Hamlet saying that Claudius is not of importance and is an object with no consequences.

Brevity is the soul of wit (2.2.90)

This phrase is from Polonius's speech to Gertrude and Claudius concerning why he thinks young Hamlet is mad. But he seems to be having a hard time getting to the point. It must be remembered that, although Polonius is a minister in the Danish court, he is still talking to the King and Queen of Denmark as well as the uncle/step-father and mother of a man who could be the next King. He just cannot blurt out that he has a comy love letter from Hamlet to Ophelia that suggests he is lovesick, which in the Renaissance, was considered a medical condition that could result in death. A man affected by this disease was known as an enamorato. Polonius therefore skirts the issue until Gertrude gives him a way in: "More matter, with less art" (95), or in other words, get to the point.

The play's the thing (2.2.604)

This phrase is used and adapted by many critics of theater and film in their reviews, as well as by marketing firms substituting the name of their product for the word "play." What is never questioned is the word *thing." What "thing" do we mean? Or is it THE thing? For Hamlet, the "thing" is the play, The Murder of Gonzago, in which he will insert ''some dozen or sixteen lines, which I would set down" (2.2.541-542) that would apply to Claudius. Depending on the King's reaction, Hamlet will have the proof that he needs to believe what the Ghost has told him, We can easily believe that Claudius might be moved by such a play as we are familiar with tear-jerker movies and other visual events that have an effect on audiences.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be (1.3.75)

When Laertes gets permission from Claudius to go to France for an education in gentleman's ways, Polonius offers him a speech full of clichés and platitudes. This advice is probably the most famous, followed by to thine own self be true" (78). It may seem to us that Polonius is just telling Laertes the obvious, but in Shakespeare's audience were probably many gentlemen who had borrowed extensively from other gentlemen. This borrowing became so common that many men had to sell off pieces of their estates in order to maintain their lavish lifestyle in London to the disadvantage of their heirs. Borrowing did not matter as much as the keeping up of appearances, a theme in many Shakespeare plays.

Elements of a Shakespearean tragedy (7)

Tragic hero with a tragic flaw Humor Conflicts - external and internal Supernatural Revenge motive Chance happening Death of the hero

2.2 summarize voltimand's message from norway

Voltimand tells the king that the king of Norway told Fortinbras to stop his war preparations when he found out they were planned for Denmark instead of Poland, and he was very upset. He arrested Fortinbras, who swore he would never threaten Denmark again; happy that he said this, he gave Fortinbras permission to invade Poland. On behalf of the king, Voltimand asks Polonius if his troops could pass through Denmark to evade Poland; Polonius says he'll think about it.

3.4 What is ironic about the way Polonius dies?

What is ironic about the way Polonius dies is that he is killed by Hamlet impulsivly, which is the first time Hamlet has ever done that. Hamlet believes that it is the king behind the tapestry, and all prior times when Hamlet wanted to kill the king, something always stopped and postponed his actions from doing so. However, the one time the Hamlet acts with instinct, instead of thinking about his actions and consequences, it is not Claudius who he kills, but it is Polonius.

4.1 When Claudius learns of Polonius' murder, he cries, "O heavy deed!/It had been so with us, had we been there." What does his response reveal about his priorities/concerns? Additionally, in what way is his response ironic? (Hint: who was the intended target?)

When Claudius cries, "O heavy deed!/It had been so with us, had we been there," he is saying that it would've happened to him if we were there (Shakespeare 4.1. 12-13). His response reveals that Claudius only cares about himself and is concerned for his well being. Ironically, Claudius is right; Hamlet's intended target was Claudius and he thought Polonius was Claudius when he stabbed him.

4.2 What does Hamlet mean when he refers to Rosencrantz as "a sponge"? (line 12)

When Rosencrantz asks Hamlet where the body is, Hamlet calls him "a sponge." He continues to explain that Rosencrantz is a sponge that "soaks up the king's countenance; his rewards,/ his authorities... When he [the king] needs what/you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you/shall be dry again" (Shakespeare 4.2. 15-20). In other words, Hamlet is saying that Rosencrantz is like a sponge in the way that he soaks up the king's approval and praise; the king takes this to his advantage and will continue to soak and dry up Rosencrantz over and over again.

1.1 What does Horatio mean when he says the ghost "bodes some strange eruptions to our state"?

When he says the ghost "bodes some strange eruptions to our state," Horatio means that this ghost is a bad omen and unnatural things are happening in Denmark

5.1 One of the most iconic lines in the play is when the Hamlet exclaims, "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him..." Discuss Hamlet's reaction to seeing Yorick's skull.

When Hamlet sees Yorick's skull, he first marvels at how great Yorick was to him; he calls him "a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy" (Shakespeare 5.1. 169). He then gets upset over the skull, saying his "gorge rises at it" (Shakespeare 5.1. 171). He asks the gravedigger where his jokes and songs are now, and he tells him to go to his "lady's [Ophelia's] chamber and tell her,/let her paint an inch thick, to his favor she must come" (Shakespeare 5.1. 177-78). This is ironic because Hamlet doesn't know that the gravedigger is digging Ophelia's grave.

2.2 In the soliloquy, "O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!" note the progression of Hamlet's thoughts, and a.) point out the lines or words that indicate a change in subject or tone (there are several major divisions); b.)give a one-line summary of the main point of each section.

When Hamlet starts his soliloquy by saying, "Oh, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!" (Shakespeare 2.2. 526). His tone is very self-demeaning and miserable, as he doesn't understand why he can't have the same emotions as the actors do for his father's death. He then continues to question himself as to if he is a coward or not for not avenging his father's death yet (Shakespeare 2.2. 547-551). He then says, "Ha! 'Swounds, I should take it: for it cannot be/ But I am pigeon-liver'd and lack gall/To make oppression bitter, or ere this I should have fatted all the region kites/With this slave's offal: bloody, bawdy villain!.Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!" (Shakespeare 2.2. 552-558). Changing from his self-demeaning attitude earlier, he realizes his thoughts are justifiable and his uncle is horrible. Finally, when he discusses the plan to get a reaction out of his uncle, his mood starts to change; he is finally setting a plan in motion and he is confident it will work.

5.1 Hamlet states, "Has this fellow no feeling of his business?/He sings at grave-making." What does he mean? What bothers him about the gravedigger's attitude?

When Hamlet states, "Has this fellow no feeling of his business?/He sings at grave-making," he means that the gravedigger is being extremely disrespectful and is singing while digging a newly-dead person's grave. The gravedigger's nonchalant attitude about the situation, along with his singing and sarcastic answers to when Hamlet asks whose grave it is, bothers Hamlet and furthers him to question the gravedigger.

3.4 What is Gertrude's reaction to the presence of Hamlet's ghost in her chamber?

When King Hamlet's ghost enters her chamber, Hamlet can see him, but Gertrude can't; when Hamlet talks to the ghost, she exclaims that Hamlet has gone crazy; she tells him, "This is the very coinage of your brain./This bodiless creation ecstasy/Is very cunning in" (Shakespeare 3.4. 139-141). Gertrude fully believes that Hamlet has gone mad and it upsets her; she says to him that "thou hast cleft my heart in twain" (Shakespeare 3.4. 158).

5.1 When the funeral procession enters the scene, what is Laertes' concern? How does the Priest respond to it?

When the funeral begins, Laertes is concerned with the rites the priest is going to give her, as she died an improper death and those who kill themselves usually are scorned and looked down upon after their deaths. The priest responds to Laertes' concern by saying, "Her death was doubtful,/And, but that great command o'ersways the order,/She should in ground unsanctified have lodged/Till the last trumpet. For charitable prayers/Shards, flints and pebbles should be thrown on her.../We should profane the service of the dead/To sing a requiem and such rest to her/As to peace-parted souls" (Shakespeare 5.1. 209-221). In other words, the priest doesn't think she deserves a ceremony at all, so he won't perform any more rites; if he did, all the other dead souls at the graveyard would be disrespected

When was Hamlet written?

Written during the first part of the seventeenth century (probably in 1600 or 1601 - Queen Elizabeth was on the throne), Hamlet was probably first performed in July 1602.

shakespeare's most well-written tragedy

hamlet

hamlet genre

revenge tragedy

why didn't shakespeare usually publish his works

shakespeare didn't usually publish his works while he was alive to prevent competition