Characters
Reynaldo is sent by this character to France to spy on his son.
Polonius
What is the purpose of Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern's visit?
King Claudius and Queen Gertrude invited them to spy on Hamlet.
“as you did command / I did repel his letters, and denied / His access to me.”
(act II, scene i)
Ophelia speaking to Polonius
Polonius believes that the source of Hamlet's "madness" is his love for Ophelia. The audience, however, knows the true reason for Hamlet's changed behavior.
dramatic irony
Who are Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern?
Hamlet's childhood friends
What does Polonius claim is the cause for Hamlet's changed behavior?
In love with Ophelia; Ophelia's rejection
“the play’s the thing / Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.” (act II, scene ii)
Hamlet about his plan to find out if Claudius is guilty
"pale as his shirt"
simile
This character compares Denmark to prison.
Hamlet
Ophelia comes to her father, Polonius, quite upset in Scene 1 of Act 2. What is the reason?
Hamlet visited her, looking disheveled and "crazy"
"I doubt it is no other but the main:/His father's death and our o'erhasty marriage."
Gertrude speaking about the reason of Hamlet's changed behavior
"No hat upon his head"
alliteration
This character is the antagonist in the play
King Claudius
What arrangement does Hamlet make with Player 1?
He wants to have several of his own lines put into the play.
"As it hath used to do - that I have found / The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy."
Polonius
"My news shall be the fruit to that great feast."
metaphor
This character serves as a foil to Hamlet's character
Player 1
How is Polonius going to test his theory about Hamlet's madness?
arrange for Ophelia to meet with Hamlet, while he will hide behind the tapestry to eavesdrop
"Oh, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!"
Hamlet
what is iambic pentameter?
10 syllables arranged in unstressed/stressed pattern