Scene i Plot
What does Polonius pay Reynaldo to do? How does he want him to do this?
Spy on Laertes by spreading rumors about him in France.
What do the King and Queen ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?
They want them to find out why Hamlet is acting strangely and try to cheer him up.
How is Hamlet acting towards Polonius and Ophelia?
Crazy
~~~DAILY DOUBLE~~~
How does the King's commentary of Hamlet's behavior connect to the theme of Appearance versus Reality? How does this create dramatic irony?
He thinks he knows that Hamlet's "inward man" is different, but there is no way for him to know the truth. The dramatic irony is that the audience knows why Hamlet is acting "mad," but King Claudius does not.
What does the King do with Fortinbras' request? Why?
He says he will deal with it at a later time because he is more concerned with Hamlet.
What happens in the middle of Polonius' instructions to Reynaldo?
He loses his train of thought...or at least he pretends to...
What news does Voltemand bring?
Fortinbras is no longer going to attack Denmark, but he is requesting to pass through Denmark, so he can attack Poland.
How is the King acting in regards to Hamlet's behavior?
Suspicious, demanding
How does Voltemand's news provide foreshadowing?
Voltemand explains that Fortinbras' uncle provided Young Fortinbras with more money and troops, which could possibly foreshadow an even stronger attack on Denmark.
~~~DOUBLE JEOPARDY~~~~
What does Hamlet realize when talking with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
They are working for the King and Queen.
What does Reynaldo think about Polonius' plan?
He questions it because it could possibly dishonor Laertes, but he agrees to do it.
~~~~ DAILY DOUBLE ~~~~
What is Polonius' new plan?
Polonius wants to hide behind an arras with the King to see if Hamlet really is crazy over Ophelia.
How would you describe Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
Disloyal
What imagery is provided in the First Player's speech? Why is it added?
The speech highlights the gore of this scene including the blood on Pyrrhus armor, the vengeance in his eyes, and the malicious sport Pyrrhus made of mincing Priam's limbs in order to add severity to the scene.
What does the Queen think is the reason for Hamlet's behavior?
What news does Ophelia bring to her father?
Hamlet frightened her.
What does Hamlet ask the Players to perform in front of the Elsinore Castle? What is Hamlet going to do for this performance?
The Murder of Gonzago
He is going to write a short speech to add to the play.
How does the quotation "For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so" add to Hamlet's characterization?
It emphasizes his philosophical nature.
What are the three foil characters established in the First Player's speech?
Pyrrhus and Hamlet
Hecuba and Gertrude
The First Player and Hamlet
What is Hamlet's new plan?
He is going to have the players perform The Murder of Gonzago. While the audience is watching the play, Hamlet will be watching the King.
What conclusion does Polonius come to? What is he going to do about it?
Polonius thinks that Hamlet is madly in love with Ophelia. He wants to bring this information to the king.
What speech does Hamlet ask the First Player to perform when they first arrive? What is it about? How does Hamlet feel after watching the speaker perform this?
He asks the Player to recite a speech about Pyrrhus seeking revenge on Priam. It makes him feel useless because he cannot seek revenge on his own.
How does Hamlet's soliloquy add to his characterization?
It highlights his tendency to overthink and connects to the theme of action versus contemplation. He continues to overthink his plan for revenge, which delays his action. He feels guilty for this.
How does Hamlet's solilquy add to the themes of action versus contemplation and appearance versus reality?
He is struggling to act. He fears that the Ghost may actually be the devil and not the spirit of his father.
Compare Hamlet 2.1 with Hamlet 1.3.
In Hamlet 1.3 Polonius is trusting towards Laertes and reprimanding towards Ophelia. In Hamlet 2.1 this switches. Polonius becomes more trusting of Ophelia when she tells him about Hamlet's recent behavior, and he sends Reynaldo to spy on Laertes in France.