hamlet act 3 study guide
Why doesn't Hamlet kill the King when the King is kneeling?
Hamlet wants the King to die without a chance for a last confession. If he is praying, he may not be in enough sin to get eternal punishment.
Why does Hamlet give instructions to the players?
He does not want the parts to be over-acted. He wants it to appear as natural and as real as possible, so it will hit home to the King.
Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy is in Scene One. Which of the following paraphrases his main points?
He is pondering whether a miserable life is better than the unknown of the death.
Describe Hamlet's tone when he speaks to Ophelia.
He is rude and aggressive.
What would Hamlet have his mother do?
He wants her to stop sleeping with the King.
How does Polonius die?
Polonius is hiding in the Queen's room while she and Hamlet are talking. He makes a noise. Hamlet runs through the tapestry, thinking it may be Claudius, and kills Polonius.
What message does Rosencrantz deliver to Hamlet from the Queen?
She wants to see him.
What was the King's reaction to the play, and what did Hamlet and Horatio decide his reaction meant?
The King got up and called for the lights. They were convinced that the ghost had been correct.
What do the King and Polonius decide about Hamlet's condition after eavesdropping on Hamlet and Ophelia?
They decide he is not love-sick; rather; he has some other trouble deep in his soul.
The King has Rosencrantz and Guildenstern prepare to do what?
They prepare to take Hamlet to England.
What message do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern carry to the King and Queen? What is their response?
They tell them Hamlet wishes the King and Queen to see a play that night. They both accept.
