Act 1
How does the Ghost claim he was murdered?
His brother Claudius poured poison into his ear while he slept in the garden.
What does Polonius send his servant Reynaldo to go do in this Act?
To spy on Laertes in France
How does Hamlet plan to get proof of Claudius' guilt?
He asks the performers to put on a play that resembles the murder of his father. He will observe the King's reaction.
How does Ophelia initially respond to the news of her father's death?
She goes mad
The only person who remains loyal to Hamlet throughout the entire play is...
Horatio
DOUBLE JEOPARDY! Hamlet is referring to this person when he says," Frailty, thy name is woman!"
Gertrude
What conclusion does Polonius come to about the cause of Hamlet's strange behavior in this Act?
He thinks Hamlet is "lovesick" over Ophelia and doesn't know how to handle her rejection.
Hamlet's outburst towards Ophelia during their conversation reflects what about his views/beliefs? "Get thee to a nunnery!"
His distrust towards women in general
What is Laertes' motivation for wanting to kill Hamlet?
He wants revenge
DOUBLE JEOPARDY! Who says this: "He is justly served. It is a poison tempered by himself. Exchange forgiveness with me...[My] death come not upon thee, Nor thine on me”
Laertes
DOUBLE JEOPARDY! Why does the Ghost claim that his "soul" can not be at peace? (why is he suffering?)
He was killed before his was able to confess his sins and is now trapped in a "purgatory"
What plan do King Claudius AND Polonius come up with to confirm the cause of Hamlet's odd behavior?
They will organize a "run in" between Hamlet and Ophelia and spy on their conversation.
In his soliloquy, Claudius reveals that he feels "guilty" for murdering his brother, but he is not willing to...
To give up the things he's gained from the murder, including the crown and the queen.
How do Claudius and Laertes plan to kill Hamlet?
They plan to poison the tip of Laertes' sword and cut him during the fencing match.
What feelings does Hamlet profess when he interrupts Ophelia's funeral?
He claims that he truly did love Ophelia
In Hamlet's 1st soliloquy he reveals that he is disgusted by his mother's remarriage. What are TWO major reasons WHY?
1. she moved on so quickly
2. their relationship is "incestuous"
3. Claudius is nothing like his father
What does the way Polonius interacts with his children highlight about his character?
1. Controlling
2. Selfish
3. Power hungry
4. Overly concerned about reputation
Why does Hamlet decide not to kill Claudius when he catches him praying alone?
He believes killing him while he is praying will grant him a peaceful afterlife.
What TWO reasons prevent Claudius from just executing Hamlet when he finds out he is a threat to him?
He is beloved by the people of Denmark, and because Gertrude wouldn't approve of it.
Which characters are ultimately responsible for the deaths of all the other characters in the play?
Claudius and Hamlet
What are 2 MAJOR themes that are introduced in Act 1?
Revenge, Honor, Duty, Betrayal, Loyalty, Madness, Grief, Corruption
In this Act, Shakespeare uses an Allusion to the Greek myth of Priam's slaughter by Pyrrhus to highlight what about Hamlets character?
Lack of courage and determination to avenge his father
In Hamlet's "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy, Shakespeare explores which TWO major themes?
Mortality and indecisiveness
In what way are both Laertes and Fortinbras foils for Hamlet?
They are men of action
Before his death, why does Hamlet express his desire for Fortinbras to take the throne?
He is a strong and capable leader who can restore stability to Denmark