Plot & Turning Points
This is Hamlet's first plan of action after meeting the ghost (1.5).
What is adopting an "antic disposition"?
This is the reason Claudius cannot truly repent in Act 3, Scene 3.
These two characters are sent to spy on Hamlet.
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
This is what Polonius instructs Ophelia to do about Hamlet (1.3).
What is ending the relationship?
Calling Denmark an "unweeded garden" symbolizes this problem.
What is corruption?
This event in Act 3, Scene 2 convinces Hamlet of Claudius's guilt.
What is the king's reaction to the play within the play?
This belief explains why Hamlet delays killing Claudius during the prayer scene.
What is the fear that Claudius would go to heaven?
This is what Hamlet uses to "catch the conscience of the king."
What is the play within the play?
This character describes Ophelia as a "delicate flower" (1.3)
Who is Laertes?
The poison in the Ghost's story represents this character.
Who is Claudius?
These lines show Hamlet is mentally prepared to confront Claudius in Act 3, Scene 2.
What are "drink hot blood"/"do such bitter business"?
This is why Fortinbras's journey to Poland motivates Hamlet in Act 4, Scene 4.
What is Fortinbras taking action over something worth so little?
This is why Claudius chooses to exile Hamlet to England rather than open punishment.
What is the fear of public judgment and blame?
This is why Hamlet tells Ophelia to "get thee to a nunnery."
What is to insult her virtue?
"What dreams may come..." reflects Hamlet's concern about this.
What is the afterlife?
This mistake at the end of Act 3 changes the direction of the play.
These two characters act as foils to Hamlet.
Who are Fortinbras and Laertes?
These are two tactics of how Claudius manipulates Laertes in Act 4, Scene 7.
This is how Ophelia's madness differs from Hamlet's.
What is hers being real while Hamlet's is performed?
What is reason/the ability to think?
This statement reflects Hamlet's acceptance of fate before the fencing match (5.2).
What is "If it be now, 'tis not to come...?"
This is what most characters believe caused Hamlet's madness in Act 2, Scene 2.
What is his love for Ophelia?
This principle explains why Hamlet supports Fortinbras as king at the end of the play.
What is honor and decisive action?
This is what Claudius's exclusion of Gertrude from his plan in Act 5 suggests.
What is her lack of agency/being disregarded?
This quote shows Hamlet is resisting being manipulated by others.
What is "Though you can fret me, you cannot play upon me"?