Plot/Action/Events
Significant Quotes
Character Analysis
Figurative Language
Mystery
100
Explain the setting of Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet. What characters are involved? Describe the mood and atmosphere.
Castle Grounds Mysterious, Suspensful
100
Explain the context and meaning of the following quote: Ghost: " My custom always of the afternoon, upon my secure hour thy uncle stole with juice of cursed hebenon in a vial, and in the porches of my ears did pour the leperous distilment, whose effect holds such an enmity with blood of man that swift as quicksilver it courses through the natural gates and alleys of the body."
Death by Poison
100
This character can be described as self-centered, arrogant, and ruthless who will stop at nothing to get what he wants (including Queen Gertrude and the royal throne).
Who is King Claudius.
100
Identify the literary device in the following quote: "I could tell a tale unfold whose lightest word would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood, and make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres."
Simile Exaggeration
100
Describe what Horatio and Marcellus believe King Hamlet's armor represents? What evidence does Horatio give to support this assertion?
Armor=bad omen of impending war Denmark is currently going into overdrive preparing weapons and equipment for war.
200
What 3 issues does King Claudius address in his opening speech to the court? List 3 words to describe his personality. Cite evidence from the text to support findings.
Death, War, Marriage Self-centered, arrogant
200
Explain the context and meaning of the following quote: "Give thy thoughts no tongue, nor any unproportioned thought his act."
Think before you speak/act
200
This character can be described as controlling, overbearing, and obsessive. He is a trusted adviser and close friend of King Claudius.
Who is Polonius.
200
Identify the literary device in the following quote: "Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, a serpent stung me."
Analogy Metaphor
200
Describe the background surrounding the impending war in Denmark.
Norway is invading to recover lost land.
300
How does Hamlet react to hearing about the sighting of his father's ghost? Describe in detail.
Questions, Shock, etc.
300
Explain the context and meaning of the following quote: Horatio: "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
The state is corrupt
300
Describe Prince Hamlet's mental transformation over the course of Act 1. How does he feel in the court scene? On the castle grounds?
Court Scene: Melancholy Castle Grounds: Relieved, Full of Purpose
300
Explain the context and meaning of the following quote: Hamlet: "He is my father's brother, but no more like my father than I to Hercules."
Allusion
300
How does Polonius' advice speech to Laertes differ in tone from the advice speech he gave to Ophelia? Cite evidence to support your assertion. How does this affect Elizabethan Society?
Laertes=lighthearted, suggestive Ophelia=demanding, degrading
400
Describe Hamlet's relationship with Horatio. Cite evidence to support your analysis.
Trusting, etc.
400
Explain the context and meaning of the following quote: Marcellus: "Good now, sit down and tell me, he that knows, why this same strict and most observant watch so nightly toils the subject of the land, and with such brazen cannon and foreign mart for implements of war."
Why does the country diligently work to prepare for war?
400
After reading King Hamlet's conversation with his Hamlet, describe the ghost's overall tone and disposition. Cite evidence from the text to support your assertion.
Dark, agonizing, disappointing, bitter, etc. Evidence may vary.
400
Identify the literary device in the following quote: "With an auspicious and a dropping eye, with mirth in funeral and with dirge and marriage, in equal scale weighing delight and dole."
Antithesis
400
Explain Queen Gertrude's reaction to Hamlet's grief? Does she side with King Claudius or support her son?
She sides with King Claudius and tells Hamlet to get over the death of his father.
500
Describe 3 topics King Hamlet's ghost addresses in discussion with Hamlet. What does he ultimately want Hamlet to do?
Hatred for King Claudius, circumstances surrounding his murder, Queen Gertrude. Avenge his murder.
500
Explain the context and meaning of the following quote: Claudius: "But you must know your father lost a father, that father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound in filial obligation for some term to do obsequious sorrow. But to persevere in obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubbornness."
To Hamlet: Overdoing your mourning for your father is just stubborn. Everyone loses a father.
500
List 2 facts that you learned about Laertes and Ophelia through their conversations with Polonius.
Answers will vary.
500
Identify the literary device in the following quote: "Oh that this too, too sullied flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew."
Imagery
500
What two things does Hamlet ask Horatio and Marcellus to swear not to do?
Tell people about the ghost sighting Explain why Hamlet is acting strange
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