Scene 1
What famous question does Hamlet ask in scene 1? (Hint: It's a rhetorical question)
To be, or not to be
What is the purpose of the play?
To test if Claudius is guilty.
Where is Claudius?
Alone, attempting to pray. Likely in his castle praying room.
Who does Hamlet confront?
Gertrude.
What event takes place between Hamlet and Laertes in this scene?
A fencing duel.
Who is Hamlet speaking to during his speech? How do you know?
Himself, it's a soliliquoy
What is the play commonly called?
“The Mousetrap."
What is Claudius trying to do?
Confess his sins and seek forgiveness for murder.
Who is behind the curtain (who is spying)?
Polonius.
What does Hamlet say about fate before the duel that reflects his change in mindset?
He says that everything is controlled by fate (e.g., “the readiness is all”), showing he accepts what will happen.
What plan do King Claudius and Polonius carry out involving Ophelia?
They use Ophelia to spy on Hamlet while they secretly watch.
How does King Claudius react (to the play)?
He becomes upset and storms out.
Why doesn’t Hamlet kill Claudius?
He thinks Claudius would go to heaven if killed while praying.
What fatal mistake does Hamlet make?
He kills Polonius, thinking he is Claudius.
How does King Claudius secretly plan to ensure Hamlet’s death during the duel?
He uses a poisoned sword and prepares a poisoned drink as a backup.
How does Hamlet treat Ophelia?
Harshly and cruelly; he rejects her and tells her to go to a convent / nunnery.
Who helps Hamlet observe Claudius?
Horatio
What does Claudius admit to?
That he murdered his brother (King Hamlet).
How does Gertrude react?
She is shocked, frightened, and begins to see Hamlet’s point.
How does the theme of revenge come full circle in this scene?
Laertes and Hamlet both seek revenge, but it leads to multiple deaths, showing revenge causes destruction rather than justice.
What theme is revealed in this scene?
The struggle between life and death, and the fear of the unknown.
How does the play confirm the ghost’s story?
Claudius’s reaction shows he feels guilty, proving the ghost told the truth.
What is the dramatic irony of this scene?
Claudius cannot truly pray, but Hamlet thinks he can—so Hamlet misses his chance to end him.
How does the ghost affect Hamlet and Gertrude differently?
Hamlet sees and speaks to it; Gertrude cannot see it and thinks Hamlet is mad.
How does Hamlet’s attitude toward death in this scene contrast with his earlier “To be or not to be” soliloquy?
Earlier, he feared and questioned death; now, he accepts it calmly, showing personal growth and acceptance of fate.