Act 1
Why did the previous king’s Ghost appear?
The late king’s Ghost appeared to describe his murder to his son Hamlet and ask him to get revenge for it.
Describe Hamlet’s appearance and behaviour when he came to Ophelia’s room.
Hamlet’s appearance and behaviour when he came in Ophelia’s room were:
his clothing was undone and dirty,
he held her by the wrist, stared at her, and sighed and
he was looking like he has been loosed out of hell.
What do R and G report to Claudius regarding their conversation with Hamlet?
R and G say that Hamlet was polite but not very inclined to talk about what was bothering him. They report that Hamlet seemed pleased that the players had been engaged for a performance.
What does Gertrude tell Claudius in the beginning of act 4? What is Claudius’ main concerns with regard to the murder of Polonius?
Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet has killed Polonius. Claudius fears that he himself might have been the victim and that he will be blamed for Polonius’s death. He lies about his love for Hamlet.
Why is it controversial for Ophelia to have a Christian burial?
It is controversial for Ophelia to have a Christian burial because it is suspected that she committed suicide.
In Hamlet’s soliloquy, what are his reasons for objecting to his mother’s remarriage?
Hamlet feels that his mother’s marriage happened way too soon after his father’s death and thinks that his mother forgot her love and devotion to her husband because of the marriage.
Where is Polonius going at the end of scene 1 and what is his reason for it?
Polonius is going to Claudius to inform him about Hamlet’s behaviour.
Why does Claudius decide to send Hamlet to England?
Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England because he thinks that Hamlet is not truly crazy and something else is wrong with him. He’s suspecting that Hamlet knows about the reason behind his father’s death, thus it will be dangerous for Claudius if the truth comes out.
Why can’t Claudius take legal action against Hamlet?
Hamlet is very popular with the people of Denmark, which makes it difficult for Claudius to take legal action against Hamlet.
How old is Hamlet?
How old is Hamlet?
What is Laertes’ advice to Ophelia?
What is Polonius’ advice to Laertes?
What is Polonius’ advice to Ophelia?
Laertes’ advice to Ophelia is to be careful with Hamlet because he might only be fooling her.
Polonius’ advice to Laertes is to dress us properly because clothing is important in France.
Polonius’ advice to Ophelia is to keep distance to Hamlet.
Why has Claudius invited R and G to the castle?
Claudius invites R and G to the castle to spy on Hamlet and find out what he is up to.
What favour does Hamlet ask Horatio?
Hamlet wants Horatio to carefully observe Claudius during the play, to watch his reactions, to help determine whether the Ghost which named Claudius murderer was telling the truth or not.
What is the order that Claudius sent to England upon Hamlet’s arrival?
Claudius secretly sent an order to immediately execute Hamlet upon his arrival in England.
What happened when Hamlet realized that the funeral he is watching is Ophelia’s?
Hamlet was shaken when he realizes that Ophelia is dead. He comes forward and interrupts the service. A fight between Hamlet and Laertes starts over who loved Ophelia the most.
Why do Horatio and Marcellus warn Hamlet not to go with the Ghost?
Horatio and Marcellus warn Hamlet not to go with the Ghost because they are concerned that the Ghost is malevolent and might lead Hamlet to his death or drive him mad.
What is the plan that Polonius came up with to find out what’s been happening to Hamlet?
Polonius planned to send Ophelia to Hamlet so they get the chance to spy on them.
Why does Hamlet decide not to kill Claudius while he was at the chapel praying?
Hamlet decides not to kill Claudius because he thinks that Claudius will go to heaven if he kills him while he is praying and Hamlet doesn’t want Claudius to go to heaven. Hamlet wants Claudius to go to hell and suffer there.
How has Polonius’ death affected Ophelia?
Why is Laertes angry with Claudius?
Ophelia has gone mad in the wake of Polonius’ death.
Laertes is angry with Claudius because he blames Claudius for his father’s death and his sister’s madness.
What excuse does Hamlet give Laertes for killing Polonius?
Hamlet tells Laertes that his murder of Polonius was not a purposed evil.
What are three commands the Ghost gives to Hamlet?
What three promises does Hamlet ask Horatio and Marcellus to make?
Three commands the Ghost give to Hamlet are:
get revenge for his death,
don’t taint his mind while getting revenge and
leave his mother to heaven.
Three promises Hamlet ask Horatio and Marcellus to make are:
don’t tell anyone what they see and hear,
remain loyal and
just go along with the fact that he is acting like he’s mentally unstable.
What is Hamlet’s reason for preparing a play?
Hamlet needs to find more proof that Claudius killed his father, thus he plans to have a play in the castle showing a murder similar to his father’s. Hamlet will keep an eye on Claudius during the play, and if he reveals his guilt it will prove that the Ghost has spoken truly and Claudius really killed the previous king.
What is the apparent purpose of the Ghost’s appearance in the Queen’s bedroom while Hamlet speaks with his mother?
The Ghost appears to remind Hamlet his purpose of his task of revenge and that he has not yet killed Claudius.
What tragic news does Gertrude bring to Laertes at the end of the act?
Gertrude tells Laertes that Ophelia has drowned. She fell from a willow as she attempted to hang flowers and was pulled under by her clothes.
In what order does everyone die in the last act?
Laertes
Gertrude
Claudius
Hamlet