Murder Mania
How did Hamlet cause the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
Hamlet forged a note from Claudius instructing England to put Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to death, and sealed the note with the insignia on his father's ring.
What advice does Gertrude give Hamlet (through a messenger) before he fences against Laertes?
Gertrude tells Hamlet to talk to Laertes before they duel. Hamlet says that it is good advice.
What does Claudius say he is putting into the cup of wine that is actually poison?
A pearl more valuable than the crowns of the last four kings of Denmark.
What are Claudius' last words?
He calls out for help?
How does Hamlet find out that he is being sent to England to be put to death?
He intercepts the note Claudius gave Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to deliver once they arrived in England.
Who does Claudius accidentally kill instead of Hamlet?
Gertrude; She drinks from the poisoned cup intended for Hamlet.
What advice does Horatio give Hamlet before he fences against Laertes?
Horatio suggests that Hamlet call off the duel since he "feels ill at heart?"
What handicap does Claudius give Laertes in the duel and why?
Laertes must win by three hits, because he is so much more skilled than Hamlet that, without the handicap, Hamlet would be sure to lode (defeating the purpose of a fight).
What are Gertrude's last words?
She says that she had been poisoned and calls out to Hamlet.
What is peculiar about the way Osric speaks with Hamlet before the duel?
Osric enthusiastically agrees with everything Hamlet says, even when he clearly contradicts himself
How does Hamlet die?
Laertes, almost against his conscience, struck Hamlet with a poisoned sword, which kills him after a few minutes.
What unites Hamlet and Laertes, even as they are about to fight one another.
They both have a desire to avenge the murders of their fathers.
Why does Claudius poison the wine and have Laertes use a poisoned sword?
Having both poisons would guarantee Hamlet's death whether he won or lost the duel.
What are Laertes' last words to Hamlet?
Laertes tells Hamlet of Claudius' part in the murders that have taken place, and that he forgives Hamlet. Hamlet also forgives Laertes.
How does Hamlet learn that Claudius is the one to poison Gertrude?
Laertes told him as he was dying.
How does Laertes die?
After Laertes strikes Hamlet, Hamlet gets ahold of Laertes' sword and wounds him with it too. Despite being struck second, Laertes dies first.
How does Hamlet attempt to absolve himself of blame for harming Laertes?
Hamlet says he is not himself because he has gone mad. If Hamlet is not himself, then he is not Hamlet, so Hamlet cannot be blamed for his actions.
Why would Claudius bet that Hamlet would win the duel?
To negate suspicion that he may have had a hand to play in the death of both King and Prince Hamlet (in the event that Hamlet died and Claudius did not, as he had planned).
What are Hamlet's last words?
He urges Horatio not to kill himself because he wants him to tell his story. He also says that he wants Fortinbras to become the new king of Denmark.
Who is alive at the end of the play to remember Hamlet?
Horatio and Fortinbras
How does Claudius die?
Hamlet stabs Claudius with Laertes' sword and forces him to drink the remainder of the wine from the cup of poison that killed his mother.
Why does Laertes feel torn before the duel?
Laertes says he almost feels emotionally satisfied, but he still feels a desire for revenge and a need to defend his honor and a way to find peace (all fueled by Claudius' "advice").
What is ironic about Claudius' death?
Claudius died by both means that he intended to be used on Hamlet (the poisoned wine and the poisoned sword).
What are the final words of the play, spoken by Fortinbras?
Fortinbras says that Hamlet would have been a great king and orders for his body to be carried away like a soldier.
Who is to inherit the throne of Denmark after the deaths of the Hamlets?
Fortinbras