Questions and Answers
What task does Polonius send Reynaldo to France to do?
How does Ophelia describe her interaction with Hamlet?
He grabbed her, held her, and sighed heavily, but did not speak to her.
Polonius believes that Hamlet's behavior is due to lovesickness for Ophelia.
True
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
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What does the King of Norway do concerning Fortinbras?
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Polonius plans to hide and observe Hamlet and Ophelia's interaction.
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How does Hamlet respond when Polonius tries to converse with him?
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What does Hamlet express about his feelings when speaking to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
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Claudius and Gertrude are unaware of Hamlet's true state of mind.
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Study Notes
Act 2 Scene 1
- Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to gather information on Laertes and spy on his behavior.
- Ophelia enters distressed, revealing that Hamlet has grabbed her and sighed heavily without speaking.
- Polonius concludes that Hamlet's erratic behavior is due to lovesickness from Ophelia's distancing, prompting him to inform King Claudius of his theory.
Act 2 Scene 2
- Claudius and Gertrude summon Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to investigate Hamlet's melancholia after his father's death.
- They aim to cheer Hamlet up or uncover the root of his sadness, noting he has changed significantly.
- Ambassadors Voltimand and Cornelius arrive, reporting that King Norway has restrained Fortinbras from attacking Denmark, redirecting him toward Poland instead.
- Polonius presents letters and poems from Hamlet to Ophelia as evidence of Hamlet's love, suggesting a tactic to observe Hamlet's behavior when Ophelia confronts him.
- Hamlet's interaction with Polonius reveals his sharp wit hidden beneath a façade of madness, highlighting Polonius's foolishness.
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern confess their true purpose: to discern the cause of Hamlet's sorrow; Hamlet recognizes their duplicity and reflects on his melancholy.
- The arrival of a troupe of actors excites Hamlet, who plans to use their performance to gauge King Claudius's guilt over King Hamlet's murder.
Act 3 Scene 1
- Claudius, Gertrude, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern discuss Hamlet's mental state, revealing their ongoing concerns about his melancholia.
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report Hamlet's enthusiasm for the players, prompting the king and queen to attend the performance.
- Polonius orchestrates a plan to observe Hamlet's interaction with Ophelia by hiding in the lobby, emphasizing the play's significance as a tool for uncovering Hamlet’s true feelings.
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Description
Dive into the key events of Act 2 and Act 3 of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. These flashcards will help you grasp essential plot points and character actions, including Polonius' schemes and Ophelia's distress. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of these pivotal acts.
