Tension, tension, tension
Claudius’s plan to send Hamlet away, if Polonius’ plan to gain information doesn’t work, demonstrates what characteristic of his leadership?
He prefers to avoid direct conflict, even when necessary
Which question does Hamlet ask to test Ophelia’s loyalty?
Asking her where her father is
Consider the instructions Polonius gives Ophelia in preparing for her encounter, particularly what she is to be doing when he sees her. Why does Polonius instruct Ophelia to appear to be doing this?
To appear innocent
What makes Claudius’s death in Act V different from the way the other characters are killed?
It is very intentional overkill
Why does Claudius say he is sending Hamlet away?
To get away for a much-needed break/rest
What detail best demonstrates Ophelia’s lack of agency in the play?
Deceiving Hamlet to help her father and the king
Hamlet’s request of Horatio while the play is being performed best demonstrates which statement below?
He trusts Horatio’s judgment immensely and wants to be sure he’s proceeding correctly
In regards to having murdered King Hamlet, Claudius’s actions and statements demonstrate:
Some remorse—but still glad for what he gained through it
What upsetting fact does the priest tell Laertes at the graveside?
Ophelia’s funeral is limited due to the suspicious circumstances of her death
Who does Laertes initially blame for his father’s death?
Claudius
Ophelia’s insanity is most likely brought on by:
Her father's death / his pressure on her
What primary reason stops Hamlet from killing Claudius when he is vulnerable in this act?
He is scared Claudius will go to heaven
Where does Hamlet finally imply to the king Polonius’ body is?
Under the stairs
Gertrude’s character is complex and often ambiguous. Some argue her final act in the play is one of self-sacrifice for her son. What line from the text supports this view?
“I will, my lord. I pray you, pardon me” (V.ii.266)
What greater purpose does the content of the clowns’ discussion serve when V.I opens?
Offers a sense of the importance of a dominant belief in this time period
The king’s desire to send Hamlet away, and redeem an owed favor, demonstrates his capacity to:
Allow others to carry out his underhanded actions
Where does Hamlet first imply, through his riddled speech, Polonius’ body is?
In hell
What motive accurately reflects why Hamlet is really being sent away?
To be killed
Hamlet opines that Fortinbras should assume the succession as the ruler of Denmark. What is ironic about this request, in light of the end of the play?
Fortinbras has already conquered the whole of the state of Denmark
What is the greater symbolic value behind Yorick's skull in Act 5?
Explores death as the great equalizer - a momentum mori
The King soon realizes ___________ is as dangerous to him as Hamlet.
Laertes
Hamlet holds up ___________ in his hands as he contemplates how everyone dies in the end.
Yorick's skull
What motif is emphasized, once again, in Polonius’ final plan to discover Hamlet’s secret?
Spying/surveillance state
What value does Hamlet’s dying request of Horatio best demonstrate?
Truth and justice
What is the larger significance of what Ophelia is witnessed doing while drowning?
Indicates that she may have lost grip on reality—she’s gone mad