What happened?
How did old King Hamlet die?
Claudius poured poison into his hear.
Why does Hamlet choose not to kill Claudius when he has the opportunity?
He doesn't want Claudius to go to heaven.
Laertes wants to kill Hamlet for what he did to Polonius and Ophelia.
Person vs. Person
'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, to give these mourning duties to your father. But you must know your father lost a father, that father lost, lost his.
Claudius
How does Hamlet die?
Laertes cuts him with a poison-tipped sword.
Why does Laertes hate Hamlet?
He killed Laertes's father and drove his sister insane.
Claudius wants to pray for forgiveness, but he doesn't want to give up his power.
Person vs. Self
Adieu, adieu, adieu. Remember me.
Ghost Dad
What does Hamlet ask Horatio and Marcellus to do?
To swear not to tell anyone about the ghost.
Why does Hamlet confront Gertrude?
He wants her to take a hard look at her own behavior. (Hold up a mirror.)
Hamlet wishes he could die.
Person vs. Self
O Hamlet, speak no more! Thou turn’st mine eyes into my very soul, and there I see such black and grainèd spots as will not leave their tinct.
Gertrude
How does Hamlet outwardly show his grief at the beginning of the play?
By wearing black.
Why does the ghost show up when Hamlet is talking to Gertrude?
To remind Hamlet to get back on track-- leave Gertrude alone and focus on revenge.
Everyone in Denmark expects Hamlet to accept his mother's new marriage.
Person vs. Society
Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew.
Hamlet
How does Hamlet get Claudius to feel guilty?
By putting on a play.
Why does Hamlet kill Polonius?
He thought it was Claudius hiding behind the curtain.
Hamlet must fulfill his promise to avenge his father's death.
Person vs. Fate / Destiny
Person vs. Person
Person vs. the Supernatural
What if this cursèd hand were thicker than itself with brother’s blood? Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens to wash it white as snow?
Claudius