Toss Up
Where is the play set?
Elsinore Castle, Denmark
Where is the ghost first spotted in the play?
On the castle battlements at night
What does Polonius believe is the cause of Hamlet's "odd" behavior?
He is lovesick for Ophelia.
How does Hamlet react when Ophelia tries to return his letters?
He gets upset and defensive. He pushes her away and says she should "get thee to a nunnery".
This character killed his brother and married his sister-in-law.
Claudius
What favorite device of Shakespeare is used in this play that comments on storytelling and theater?
A play-within-a-play
What is everyone celebrating in Act 1 Scene 2 of the play?
The wedding of Claudius and Gertrude
What request does the King and Queen make of Hamlet's friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
To get to the bottom of Hamlet's weird behavior and report back, and to cheer him up.
How does Claudius react to the play?
He is uncomfortable. He gets upset and storms out.
This character is Hamlet's best friend and the only person Hamlet trusts.
Horatio
What is the name of the play Hamlet stages for Claudius?
The Murder of Gonzago or "The Mouse Trap"
What is Hamlet's state of mind in his first soliloquy?
He is severely depressed and angry at his mother. He contemplates suicide but resolves to live because it goes against the church.
What does Gertrude believe is the cause of Hamlet's behavior?
Her hasty marriage and his father's death.
What does Claudius plan to do about Hamlet?
Ship him off to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
This character is Hamlet's "ex"-girlfriend.
Ophelia
What would an Elizabethan audience make of the ghost?
They would be wary of it. Some thought it would be a spirit in limbo, others would think it was an evil spirit sent to temp one into sin, and others would think it was a hallucination.
How does Polonius's advice differ from Laertes to Ophelia?
He encourages Laertes to follow his heart, but cautions Ophelia against using her own judgement.
Who arrives at Elsinore that excites Hamlet?
A troupe of actors
Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius when he has the chance?
Because Claudius is praying, Hamlet thinks he will go straight to heaven if he dies.
This character leaves at the beginning of the play to study in France.
Laertes
What country is Denmark at war with at the beginning of the play?
Norway
According to the ghost, how did King Hamlet die?
His brother poured poison in his ear while he slept in the garden.
What does Hamlet mean when he says,"The plays the thing in where I'll catch the conscience of the king"?
He plans to have the actors reenact his father's death to gauge Claudius's guilt.
Why does Hamlet kill Polonius?
He thinks Claudius is the one spying.
This character is an advisor to the king and tends to spy.
Polonius