Summary
What is Hamlet hiding in this scene?
Polonius's body
Which theme is shown when Hamlet refuses to answer questions?
Distrust
“A knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear.” – What does this mean?
Smart words are wasted on foolish people
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Hamlet compares R/G to what?
A sponge
What does Hamlet reveal about himself in this scene?
He is clever and sarcastic
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Why won't Hamlet tell R/G anything?
He doesn't trust them because they work for Cladius
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How are R/G betraying Hamlet?
They spy on him for the King
“Slanders, sir; for the satirical rogue says here…” Who is Hamlet talking about?
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern
What does the sponge metaphor mean?
They soak up Claudius’s favor and are squeezed dry afterward by Hamlet
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How does he treat Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
Mocking or distrustful
How does Hamlet treat R/G?
Foolish, stupid, or mockingly
Hamlet calls them “sponges" what theme does this emphasize?
Betrayal or deceit
“Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me!” What is the tone?
Sarcastic
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Why is this metaphor clever?
It insults the spies while showing Hamlet’s intelligence
What does this scene show about Hamlet’s control over the situation?
He manipulates the spies using his words
What is the main action of this short scene?
Hamlet uses his words to outsmart his friends and avoids revealing the body
Give one word from the scene that shows distrust
Spy, King, Tool
Pick a line that shows Hamlet’s cleverness.
Any line counts for him not telling the location of the body
Discuss another metaphor in the scene.
Mocking as "tools of the king"
What does Hamlet’s language reveal about his madness?
It's all part of an act; he is being strategic about it
How does Hamlet show he is in control?
By refusing to answer their questions and mock them
Explain why Hamlet’s sarcasm relates to this theme
He pretends to be mad but he is secretly testing his friend's loyalty
Explain how Hamlet uses wordplay in this scene
He changes his language to mock spies and avoid Claudius's demand for the body
How does this metaphor connect to the theme of betrayal?
It shows R/G are easily used by Claudius
How is Hamlet different from Claudius in terms of handling people?
Hamlet uses words and using tricks while Claudius uses his spies and fear