Claudius's Court & State Affairs
What relation is Claudius to the late King Hamlet, and what is his new relationship to Queen Gertrude?
He is the late King's brother, and he is now Gertrude's husband.
What term does Hamlet use to describe women's frail nature?
"Frailty, thy name is woman!"
Where is Laertes going when he leaves Elsinore?
France
Who does the Ghost name as the murderer?
Claudius, Hamlet's uncle.
Who are the two sentinels on watch at the beginning of the play?
Marcellus and Barnardo.
What is Claudius's response regarding Laertes's wish to leave Elsinore?
Claudius grants Laertes permission to return to France.
What two things is Hamlet primarily distraught over in this soliloquy?
His father's death and his mother's hasty remarriage.
What does Laertes advise Ophelia to protect, above all else?
Her chastity and honor (symbolized as her "treasure").
How did the murder actually take place?
Claudius poured a poison (leperous distilment) into the King's ear.
Who is brought to witness the Ghost because he is a scholar and should know how to properly address it?
Horatio
What does Claudius forbid Hamlet to do after the opening court scene?
He forbids Hamlet from returning to school in Wittenberg.
How does Hamlet describe his mother's emotional state before remarrying?
She was distraught and seemingly devoted to the late King.
What is Polonius's famous and ultimate piece of advice to his son, Laertes?
To thine own self be true."
What was the official story given for the old king's death?
He was bitten by a snake while sleeping in his orchard.
What is the Ghost wearing when it appears to the sentinels?
The armor worn by the late King Hamlet when he fought the King of Norway.
What is the approximate length of time that has passed since the death of King Hamlet?
Less than two months (Hamlet says "But two months dead—nay, not so much, not two").
What does Hamlet vow to himself about his feelings and knowledge?
He must hold his tongue and keep his knowledge to himself ("Break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue").
What does Polonius order Ophelia to do regarding Hamlet?
To not speak to him and to stop receiving his gifts or tokens of love.
Why was the murder especially terrible to the Ghost?
He was killed without confession or last rites, meaning his sins were unforgiven and he is stuck in purgatory.
Why does the Ghost refuse to speak to Horatio?
It will only speak to its son, Hamlet.
What is Claudius's initial response to the threat of Fortinbras?
He sends a letter to the King of Norway, Fortinbras's uncle, to restrain the young man's actions.
What mythological figure does Hamlet use to contrast his father with Claudius?
His father was like the sun god Hyperion, while Claudius is like a satyr.
What is Laertes's primary warning to Ophelia about Hamlet?
That Hamlet's love is fleeting and not his own to control, but controlled by his position as Prince.
What does the Ghost instruct Hamlet to do regarding his mother, Gertrude?
Leave her to heaven and his conscience (don't harm her).
What time does the Ghost appear?
Between midnight and one in the morning ("the dead hour").