Literary Terms
This device occurs when a character gives a long speech which is unheard by other characters
What is a soliloquy?
This person is the reigning monarch of Denmark at the start of the play.
Who is Claudius?
After speaking with the Ghost, Hamlet decides to adopt this behavior.
What is pretending to be crazy?
The theme of insanity is shown in both Hamlet and this person.
Who is Ophelia?
Hamlet compares death to this.
What is sleep?
Hamlet's long speech while holding a skull, heard by Horatio and the gravedigger, is this type of speech.
What is a monologue?
These characters are Hamlet’s friends who later spy on him for Claudius
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
This person plots with Claudius to kill Hamlet during the fencing match.
Who is Laertes?
Hamlet compares this place, which is his home, to an unweeded garden, hinting at the theme of corruption.
Where is Denmark?
At Ophelia's grave, Hamlet says his "words of sadness make the planets stand still" (5.1). His comment is an example of this.
What is hyperbole?
A situation in which the audience knows information that the characters don't know represents this type of irony.
What is dramatic irony?
This advisor to Claudius is killed by Hamlet.
Who is Polonius?
This person dies when they drink the poisoned drink intended for Hamlet.
Who is Gertrude?
The theme of appearance versus reality is shown when Hamlet orders a play to confirm the accusation of this person.
Who is the ghost?
Who is King Hamlet?
What is foreshadowing?
A short comment not heard by other characters is called this.
What is an aside?
This political figure from Norway becomes the king of Denmark at the end of the play.
Who is Fortinbras?
As he is dying, Hamlet asks this person to tell everyone the truth about what happened.
Who is Horatio?
Hamlet, Laertes, and this person all consider revenge - a major theme in the play.
Who is Fortinbras?
Hamlet tells the gravedigger that he is lying (speaking falsely) when he says that the grave is his. The grave digger insists that it is his grave since he is the one lying (reclining) in it. This exchange illustrates the use of this.
What is a pun?
Hamlet and Laertes are considered this type of character since their traits contrast with one another.
What is a foil?
Hamlet holds the skull of this person who once worked at the castle.
Who is Yorick?
Hamlet forges a letter to this person, asking him to kill Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Who is the King of England?
To develop the theme of deception, this character sends someone to France to spy on his son.
Who is Polonius?
When Hamlet tells Rosencrantz, "You're a sponge," he is using this type of figurative language.
What is a metaphor?