Act 1
What is the ghost of King Hamlet wearing? What does this foreshadow?
He is wearing his armour from when he fought Norway, this is foreshadowing that there is something not right in Denmark
What does Polonius tell Reynaldo to do?
To spy on Laertes in France
Who dies in this Act and how?
Polonius, stabbed through a tapestry as he was spying on Hamlet and Gertrude
What does Claudius say when he finds out that Hamlet killed Polonius?
“It had been so with us, had we been there.” Acknowledges that it would have been him and Hamlet is out to get him now
What does Hamlet confess to Horatio in terms of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
He found the original letters that they were supposed to give to the king of England. Hamlet rewrites them, telling the king to execute those that deliver the letters (which are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern).
Who murdered King Hamlet and how?
While King Hamlet was taking a nap in the orchards, King Claudius came in and poured poison in his ear.
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and why are they in Denmark?
They are Hamlet’s friends from England, they have come to spy on Hamlet on behalf of the king
What plan does Claudius come up with for Hamlet in this Act?
He decides that he’s going to send Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to collect the money that they owe Denmark
Who are the two people that Ophelia is talking about through her song lyrics in Scene 5?
Polonius and Hamlet
What news does Osric deliver to Hamlet?
He notifies Hamlet that the king has put a big bet in his favour in terms of a fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes.
How does Claudius establish his power and authority in the opening act?
He is seen coming up with a solution to the Fortinbras issue. Sending a letter to Fortinbras’ bedridden uncle who has no idea what Fortinbras is doing.
What plan do Polonius and Claudius come up with to seek answers for Hamlet’s “madness”
They are going to send Ophelia to meet with Hamlet while they spy on them.
What is the play called that Hamlet presents?
Mousetrap
What does Hamlet’s letter to Horatio say?
Hamlet writes that he never makes it to England. Their ship got attacked by pirates on their way to England and Hamlet got taken prisoner. He negotiated his way out.
Name all the steps in Cladius’ and Laertes’ plan to kill Hamlet.
Laertes is going to have a sharp sword to kill Hamlet. He is also going to dip the sword in poison in case he is only able to cut him. Claudius is going to poison the drink as a backup plan and have Hamlet drink from there when he is thirsty from the match.
Name two pieces of advice that Polonius tells Laertes.
Don’t say what you’re thinking/don’t be too quick to act, be friendly but don’t overdo it, hold onto trustworthy friends, don’t waste time with everyone you meet, don’t get into fights but hold your own in one, listen to many people but talk to few, hear everyone’s opinion but reserve your own, dress nice but not too flashy, don’t borrow or lend money, above all be true to yourself
Which mythological event does Hamlet allude to through the player's speech at the end of the act?
The Trojan War
What does Hamlet say the purpose of the theatre is?
Meant to represent reality, hold a mirror to virtue, to vice, and to the spirit of the times
What are the 2 reasons Claudius gives for not taking action against Hamlet right away?
(1) Gertrude is too fond of Hamlet, and Claudius needs to make her happy
(2) The public loves him
Name all the characters that die in Act 5 in order of death.
Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius, and then Hamlet
Who says the quote “All is not well: I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come. Till then, sit still my soul: foul deeds will rise, Through all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes”
Hamlet
What metaphor does Hamlet use when he is talking about Denmark to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
“Denmarks a prison” “A goodly one, in which there are many confines, wards and dungeons, Denmark being one o’th’worst"
Name 2 characteristics that Ophelia lists about the man that Hamlet used to be.
Noble mind, gentlemen’s grace, scholars wit, soldiers strength, jewel of the country, obvious heir to the throne, everyone admired and imitated him
Name any two flowers that Ophelia gives.
Fennel, Columbines, Rue, Daisy, and Violets
Who did the skull belong to that Hamlet was holding in the graveyard (name and occupation)?
Yorrick, the Jester to King Hamlet