Category 1
What do most people think was the cause of King Hamlets death? What was the actual cause of his death?
Bit by a snake; Claudius poured poison in his ear
What does the ghost want Hamlet to do?
Avenge his death and seek revenge on Claudius
Hamlet believes in the idea of destiny. How would such a belief affect hamlets behaviors?
He feels like he doesn't have a choice, he must obey his father and kill Claudius; he believes if he has a purpose, a reason to live, then he won't commit suicide.
Who is Ophelia in love with?
Hamlet
Who is Horatio?
Hamlet's friend
What does Ghost Hamlet tell Hamlet to do about Queen Gertrude?
Ghost Hamlet tells his son (Hamlet) not to seek revenge on his mother, Gertrude. Instead let her die a natural death and then she'll have to answer to God.
What is Hamlet's response to the ghosts request?
He promises to follow through with the revenge
What time of day is it when the play starts?
Late at night
As they wait for the ghost, Hamlet describes the King's nightly tradition. What does Hamlet think about his tradition?
It makes the Danes look bad to other countries.
Who is Claudius?
Hamlet's uncle and the new king
Why is King Hamlet stuck in ghost form?
He is "doomed for a certain term to walk the night" to atone for the sins he committed while alive
What is Hamlet's strategy in dealing with his murderous uncle?
He's going to act crazy in an effort to buy himself some time to prove the guilt Claudius and to find out if his mother was in on the plot to murder his father.
Polonius give Laertes plenty of advice before Laertes leaves Elsinore. What does Polonius tell Laertes about talking and listening to people?
Listen to people, but do not talk very much.
What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?
Very cold
When Hamlet first sees the ghost, what does he call it?
King, father, royal Dane.
Why did Hamlet swear his friends to secrecy?
He doesn't want Hamlet to kill her; he doesn't want people to think he's crazy and doesn't want it to get back to Claudius that Hamlet knows that he killed his father.
Who does the ghost claim to be?
Hamlet's father
What is Hamlet's mother's name?
Gertrude
What is the Prince of Norway's name?
Fortinbras
What is the public explanation of the last king's death?
He was stung by a serpent.
Hamlet says "The time is out of joint: O cursed spite/ That ever I was born to set it right!" What does that mean?
He wishes he did not have to do the things he expects to do.
When the audience first sees Claudius, he gives a speech about the current situation in Denmark and then speaks to Hamlet about his behavior. What does Claudius say to Hamlet at this early point in the play?
He is too sad
What shocking news does the ghost deliver to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5?
Claudius killed Hamlet's father
During their first conversation, what does the ghost tell Hamlet about his mother?
Do not blame her for what happened.
What country did the late King go to battle against?
Norway