Act one
What are Barnardo and Francisco’s occupations?
They work at the post
What task does Polonius ask Reynaldo to accomplish on his trip to Paris?
To give money and notes, and spy on laertes
What news do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report that pleases Claudius?
They told him hamlet wanted to see the play with him
What actions does Claudius take after learning about Polonius’s death?
He sends rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find hamlet & polonius' body; talk to council members.
According to Hamlet’s account to Horatio, what events transpired the night before his escape to the pirate ship?
Hamlet sneaks in rosencrantz and guildenstern room and steals the letter from the king (killed as soon as he stepped off) he wrote new letter.
What two other characters join?
Horacio, Marcellus
Describe Polonius’s plans on finding out how Laertes is behaving in France.
Just to have Reynaldo ask directly
Closely analyze Hamlet’s soliloquy. Hamlet seems to embrace the idea of suicide. What seems to change his mind?
Perhaps of the positive events coming up
In her report of the death of Polonius, how does Gertrude try to protect her son?
She said hamlet was mad/crazy in killing Polonius.
What wager has Claudius made? What must Hamlet do to win it?
Claudius says that if Hamlet can get the first two hits, or come back on the third, he will make his soldiers salute to him and give him a very expensive pearl.
How many times has the ghost previously appeared?
Twice now, they’ve seen it once
Why was Ophelia so frightened by Hamlet’s visit? What did Hamlet do to frighten her?
Hamlet was very uptight and to Ophelia like he did not want to be around her anymore.
What reason does Ophelia give for returning Hamlet’s presents?
That gifts have zero meaning
How does Hamlet show a complete disrespect for Rozencrantz and Guildenstern?
By using the sponge analogy
Does Hamlet believe he can win? Support your answer with proof from the play.
Yes because he’s been in France practicing every day
Why has Horacio been asked to keep watch with the guards?
Since he can speak to the ghosts
What does Polonius think is the cause of Hamlet’s behavior?
Ophelias denying hamlets love
In his encounter with Ophelia, how does Hamlet demonstrate his belief that women are weak (remember “Frailty, thy name is woman!”)
He’s saying men are more superior
How would you describe Hamlet’s behavior when he is face to face with Claudius following Polonius’s death?
He acts hostile towards Claudius
Why won’t Hamlet let Horatio commit suicide?
Because the dying Hamlet is aware that Horatio is the best and most reliable witness to recent events at the Danish court, he asks him not to commit suicide. Somebody needs to stay alive, Hamlet says, to tell the story of what happened and how it ended so tragically.
The Ghost is wearing the same armor the King wore in two battles. Who did the King fight in those battles?
King of Norway’s
What does he intend to do about it?
He intends on telling the king
Based on what Hamlet says, do you think he’s really in love with Ophelia?
No
What reason does Claudius give Hamlet for sending him to England? What is his real purpose?
For hamlet's safety and to protect him, in reality it’s for hamlet to go and get killed
Who becomes the king of Denmark?
Fortinbras