ACT 1: THE GHOST & THE VOW
Polonius gives this famous advice to Laertes before he leaves for France.
What is "To thine own self be true"?
These two childhood friends are hired by Claudius to spy on Hamlet.
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? (The "Fake Friends")
In his most famous soliloquy, Hamlet debates this ultimate "question."
What is "To be, or not to be"?
After killing Polonius, Hamlet compared the King to this object that "soaks up" rewards.
What is a sponge?
This character is the only major figure left alive to tell Hamlet’s story.
Who is Horatio?
The Ghost reveals he was murdered by Claudius using this specific method.
What is pouring poison in his ear while he slept?
Polonius believes Hamlet has gone mad because of his love for this person.
Who is Ophelia?
This is the name of the play Hamlet uses to "catch the conscience of the King."
What is The Murder of Gonzago (or The Mousetrap)?
This character returns from France, leading a riot and demanding revenge for his father.
Who is Laertes?
Hamlet discovers the skull of the former court jester in the graveyard.
Who is Yorick?
Hamlet describes Denmark as being this, highlighting the theme of corruption.
What is an "unweeded garden"?
Hamlet calls Denmark this, illustrating his feeling of being trapped.
What is a prison?
Claudius's reaction to the play—getting up and shouting for light—is this type of conflict?
What is External Conflict (Man vs. Man)?
Claudius sends Hamlet to England with a sealed letter ordering this to happen.
What is Hamlet’s execution?
This is the "Price of Loyalty" paid by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
What is death (execution in England)?
This figurative language is used when Marcellus says, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
What is a metaphor?
Hamlet plans to use these "players" to determine if the Ghost was telling the truth.
Who are the traveling actors?
Hamlet decides not to kill Claudius while he is praying for this specific reason.
because he wants Claudius’s soul to go to hell, not heaven.
This is the tragic fate of Ophelia after she loses her mind.
What is drowning?
The "Figurative Language": The pearl Claudius drops in the wine is actually this.
What is poison?
The setting of the play: the name of the castle where the action takes place.
What is Elsinore?
Polonius’s "Advice": He famously tells Laertes, "Neither a borrower nor a ____ be."
What is a lender?
Characterization: Gertrude describes Hamlet's behavior during the closet scene as this.
What is "ecstasy" or madness?
Hamlet escapes the ship bound for England by boarding the ship of these people.
Who are pirates?
This foreign Prince arrives at the end to claim the throne of Denmark.
Who is Fortinbras?