"Why then, 'tis none to you, for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
Nothing by itself is good or bad, the person decides what they think of it. For Hamlet, Denmark is a prison.
100
"I doubt it is no other but the main- His father's death and o'erhasty marriage."
The Queen thinks that Hamlet is only "mad" because he is still grieving over his father and her marriage to his uncle only worsened his condition.
100
Explain how the theme of madness is portrayed in this act.
Hamlet is thought to be "mad" after his love letter and interaction with Ophelia is revealed. The King also has Polonius keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't do anything outrageous.
100
"Denmark's a prison." (Shakespeare 52)
What does this quote by Hamlet symbolize?
The sadness and oppression he feels due to his father's death and the way in which it happened.
100
Why does Polonius want to spy on his son?
To see if he is gambling and running around rather than focusing on school.
200
"A dream itself is but a shadow."
A dream is as fleeting as a shadow and just as hard to reach.
200
"Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't. Will you walk out of the air, my lord?"
Polonius says this when he is trying to scope out Hamlet and see what the cause of his madness is. He thinks fresh air may help bring him sense.
200
Hamlet's inability to act greatly inhibits the theme of what?
Revenge
200
What role do the players and tragedians fill in Hamlet?
They reiterate and confirm Hamlet's thoughts on the murder of his father.
200
What do we learn about Polonius through his many spying expeditions?
He is very nosy in royal affairs and likes to be in complete control of his children's lives.
300
"The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King."
Hamlet will use the play to reenact his father's murder and see if his uncle is guilty.
300
"I will be brief. Your noble son is mad."
Polonius says this to the King and Queen after Ophelia has told him of her interaction with Hamlet. He has come to tell them that he knows of the cause and also how to fix it.
300
How is the theme of art and culture present in this act?
Through the presence and workings of the players.
300
"... dreams, indeed, are ambition..." "A dream itself is but a shadow." (Shakespeare 52)
What does this conversation show about the viewpoint of the characters involved?
Gildenstern believes that dreams are what push us forward while Hamlet argues that they only hinder and burden us.
300
After their interaction, what does Hamlet think of Polonius?
Hamlet knows that Polonius is not a worthy guy and considers Polonius to be beneath him.
400
Explain what characteristics become evident of Hamlet when he talks with Polonius.
Hamlet proves himself to be quite intelligent, but also rather cocky and conceited. He is also smart enough to continually insult Polonius without him knowing.
400
"Why, then, your ambition makes it one."
Rosencrantz has this in an attempt to explain why Denmark is such a prison for Hamlet. He says it is only a prison because of the ambition and desire Hamlet has to get out and do things.
400
What other characters besides Hamlet portray the theme of deception?
Polonius, the King, Rosencrantz, Gildenstern
400
Why is there such an emphasis placed on dreams?
It is Hamlet's dream to kill his uncle but his thoughts inhibit him which only ails him further.
400
Why was Hamlet so concerned with finding out why Rosencrantz and Gildenstern came to visit?
He believed that the King had sent them to check over him because of his "madness."
500
Explain the significance of Hamlet's love letter to Ophelia on page 47.
The poem is written to flatter Ophelia and does so in such an elegant fashion that it is easy to miss that the letter was not written because Hamlet is deeply in love with Ophelia. She is told to never doubt that he loves, just not her.
500
"But I am pigeon-livered and lack gall to make oppression bitter..."
Hamlet says this in his soliloquy at the end of act II. He is calling himself a coward because he cannot just complete his revenge already.
500
How is the theme of family used to accredit Hamlet's madness?
He is so upset over his father's death and his mother's remarriage to his uncle that he cannot cope.
500
What does Hamlet's continuous tyrannical power say about his character?
He is egocentric and only concerned about himself.
500
Why is the scene with the players so significant?
It reveals Hamlet's plan for exposing his uncle's guilt.