Questions and Answers
What does Polonius ask of Reynaldo?
To go to France & find out more information about Laertes.
What did Hamlet do to Ophelia to frighten her?
He grabbed her wrist, stared at her, and then nodded at her as if to say she is just like his mother. He then leaves without looking away from her.
After the ambassadors have left, what piece of writing does Polonius share with Claudius and Gertrude?
A love letter.
What message do the ambassadors (specifically Voltimand) bring Claudius back from Norway regarding Fortinbras' advances?
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What does Ophelia tell her father?
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King Claudius gives what reason for sending Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
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How does Hamlet feel about what Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are doing?
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What was Ophelia doing when Hamlet came to see her?
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What does Polonius show to the King and Queen?
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Polonius thinks that...
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Hamlet makes Rosencrantz and Guildenstern admit that...
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What does Hamlet call Polonius in Scene 2?
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What does Hamlet compare Denmark to?
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Why would Hamlet think of Denmark as a prison?
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What is the players' speech about?
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Polonius interprets Hamlet's encounter with Ophelia as...
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Hamlet could be expected to trust Rosencrantz and Guildenstern because...
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Who are the players?
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What does Queen Gertrude think is the reason for Hamlet going crazy?
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What is the purpose of the play that will be staged by the visiting thespians?
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When does Hamlet say he is mad?
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What play does Hamlet ask the troupe to perform?
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What special request does Hamlet make for the play?
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What characters appear in Scene One?
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Who is "him/he" when Hamlet says: "What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba"?
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By the end of Act Two, Hamlet says he is going to make sure that the Ghost was telling the truth. How does he plan to do this?
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In his love letter to Ophelia, Hamlet has many doubts except what?
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What is Hamlet doing when he enters in Scene 2 and is speaking with Polonius?
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What play genre did Polonius say first?
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Why does Shakespeare incorporate all the genres when Polonius speaks?
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What is Hamlet's soliloquy about (2.2)?
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Study Notes
Polonius and Reynaldo
- Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to gather information about Laertes.
Hamlet and Ophelia
- Hamlet frightens Ophelia by grabbing her wrist, staring at her intensely, and likening her to his mother before leaving.
Love Letter
- Polonius shares a love letter from Hamlet to Ophelia with Claudius and Gertrude.
Fortinbras Update
- Ambassadors report that Fortinbras has shifted his military focus to Poland and requests safe passage through Denmark.
Ophelia's Concern
- Ophelia informs her father that Hamlet is behaving strangely.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
- King Claudius enlists Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet to uncover the reason for his odd behavior.
Hamlet's Reaction
- Hamlet is displeased with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's spy mission.
Ophelia's Activity
- Ophelia is sewing when Hamlet comes to see her.
Hamlet's Letter to Ophelia
- Polonius presents Hamlet’s letter to the king and queen as evidence of his feelings.
Polonius's Interpretation
- Polonius believes Hamlet's behavior indicates madness caused by unrequited love for Ophelia.
Trust in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
- Hamlet thinks he can trust Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as they grew up together.
Traveling Actors
- The players are a group of traveling actors who visit Elsinore.
Gertrude’s Interpretation
- Queen Gertrude suggests that Hamlet's madness stems from King Hamlet's death and her quick remarriage to Claudius.
Purpose of the Play
- The visiting thespians aim to confirm or refute the ghost's claims through their performance.
Hamlet's Madness
- Hamlet claims he is mad only when the wind is blowing from the north-north-west.
Requested Play
- Hamlet asks the troupe to perform "The murder of Gonzago."
Special Request for the Play
- Hamlet requests that some lines he wrote be included in the play performance.
Scene One Characters
- Scene One features Polonius, Reynaldo, and Ophelia.
Hecuba Reference
- When Hamlet mentions Hecuba, he refers to the Player, questioning the emotional connection.
Confirming the Ghost’s Truth
- Hamlet plans to verify the ghost's truth by staging a play that reenacts the murder of his father.
Love Letter Doubts
- In his love letter to Ophelia, Hamlet expresses doubts except concerning his love for her.
Hamlet's Entrance in Scene 2
- Upon entering in Scene 2, Hamlet is reading.
Polonius on Play Genre
- Polonius first mentions tragedy when discussing play genres.
Humoring Genres
- Shakespeare uses various genres in Polonius’s speech to cater to different tastes in drama.
Hamlet's Soliloquy
- In his soliloquy, Hamlet reflects on his cowardice for failing to avenge his father’s murder.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Act 2 from Shakespeare's Hamlet with these flashcards. Each card features key questions and definitions to help reinforce your understanding of the text's important themes and characters. Perfect for students looking to review material or prepare for discussions.
