(Plot Precision) — Fill in the Blank
Before Act 1.2 begins, the major event is that _________ _________ has died, and Queen Gertrude has __________ Claudius in less than two months. (two words)
King Hamlet
Sentence:
Claudius presents himself with benevolence in Act 1.2, though Hamlet remains unconvinced.
Benevolence = kindness or goodwill
(bene = good)
How does the contrast between the official account of King Hamlet’s death and the Ghost’s revelation function within the play?
It highlights the theme of deception in Denmark.
Summary: Hamlet is sad in Act 1.2.
Commentary: Hamlet’s grief isolates him from the court and exposes the emotional cost of political appearances.
Question:
What does the commentary explain about Hamlet’s sadness that the summary does not?
It explains how Hamlet’s grief affects his relationship to the court and public life.
Character Choice
What deliberate choice does Hamlet make after learning the truth from the Ghost?
He decides to “put an antic disposition on.” Pretend to be mad.
Claudius is upset about Fortinbras because Fortinbras threatens Denmark by trying to __________ land that Denmark __________ in the past.
reclaim; lost
Sentence:
Hamlet senses that the court is built on misrepresentation, not truth.
Misrepresentation = presenting something falsely or incorrectly
(mis = wrong)
What concept is most strongly reinforced by the Ghost’s use of the serpent metaphor?
Hidden corruption beneath appearances.
Summary: Claudius gives a speech to the court.
Commentary: Claudius’s polished speech masks his guilt and establishes appearance vs. reality as a central tension.
Question:
What additional understanding does the commentary provide about Claudius’s speech?
It explains the purpose of the speech and how it supports a major theme.
Character Awareness
Who does Hamlet share this plan with, and how does this show his awareness and control?
He tells Horatio and Marcellus. Shows that he is intentional in his actions and is in control.
In Act 1.5, Hamlet promises the Ghost that he will "__________" the Ghost and seek __________ against Claudius.
remember; revenge
Sentence:
The Ghost describes Claudius’s crime as an act of malfeasance against both family and state.
Malfeasance = evil or illegal wrongdoing
(mal = bad)
Hamlet’s exclamation, “O, my prophetic soul! My uncle!”, most strongly implies which of the following?
Hamlet had already harbored suspicions about Claudius’s guilt.
Summary: The Ghost tells Hamlet to get revenge.
Commentary: The Ghost transforms Hamlet’s grief into obligation, shifting the play toward tragedy.
Question:
What does the commentary explain about the effect of the Ghost’s command?
It explains how the command changes Hamlet’s role and the direction of the plot.
Motivation
Why does Hamlet require Horatio and Marcellus to swear secrecy, and what does this reveal about his motivation?
He wants to control information and protect his strategy.
The Ghost warns Hamlet not to __________ Gertrude and to leave her judgment to __________.
harm; heaven
Sentence:
After the Ghost’s revelation, Hamlet believes Denmark has suffered a moral malformation.
Malformation = something formed incorrectly or badly
(mal = bad)
Based on Acts 1.2 and 1.5, who controls the public narrative of "truth" in Denmark?
Those in power—especially the king—control the public narrative of the truth.
Summary: Hamlet swears his friends to secrecy.
Commentary: This secrecy signals Hamlet’s move toward strategy and emotional withdrawal.
Question:
What does the commentary explain about why this action matters?
It explains what the action reveals about Hamlet’s mindset and future behavior.
In Acts 1.2 and 1.5, how do Hamlet’s situation and Claudius’s power affect Hamlet’s decision to pretend to be mad?
Claudius is the king, and Hamlet does not yet have proof.
From Act 1.2 to Act 1.5, Hamlet shifts from __________ and __________ to a sense of __________ driven by __________.
grief; confusion; purpose; revenge
Sentence: Claudius’s deceptively benevolent tone hides his malintentions from the Royal Court its public.
Benevolent = kind / well-meaning (bene = good)
Malintentions = intention to do harm (mal = bad)
Which central theme is most clearly established through this pattern of concealment and revelation emerging in act 1?
Appearance versus reality.
What major theme is most clearly developing through the moments of deception and revelation in act 1?
Appearance vs. reality.
By choosing to act mad, what kind of approach does Hamlet show toward dealing with problems in the play?
He uses strategy and hiding rather than direct action.