Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Reynaldo?
Who is Reynaldo?
Polonius's servant
When does Hamlet's antic-disposition start?
When does Hamlet's antic-disposition start?
The scene when he goes into Ophelia's room
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
Hamlet's childhood friends who were hired by King Claudius to spy on Hamlet
Who says 'Mad for thy love'?
Who says 'Mad for thy love'?
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What has Ophelia been told?
What has Ophelia been told?
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What does the letter from Norway say back to Denmark?
What does the letter from Norway say back to Denmark?
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Who says 'More matter with less art'?
Who says 'More matter with less art'?
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What does Polonius do in front of Ophelia and the royals to prove Hamlet's madness?
What does Polonius do in front of Ophelia and the royals to prove Hamlet's madness?
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What does Polonius plan to do to prove his theory about Hamlet's madness?
What does Polonius plan to do to prove his theory about Hamlet's madness?
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Who says 'Though this be madness, yet there is method in't'?
Who says 'Though this be madness, yet there is method in't'?
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What does Hamlet mean when he says 'Denmark's a prison'?
What does Hamlet mean when he says 'Denmark's a prison'?
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What does Hamlet mean by 'For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so'?
What does Hamlet mean by 'For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so'?
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What does Hamlet say about the human condition in 'What a piece of work is a man'?
What does Hamlet say about the human condition in 'What a piece of work is a man'?
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What does Hamlet say when he claims 'Man delights not me, nor woman neither'?
What does Hamlet say when he claims 'Man delights not me, nor woman neither'?
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How does Hamlet treat the players?
How does Hamlet treat the players?
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How does Polonius treat the players?
How does Polonius treat the players?
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What does Hamlet mean by 'Use them after your own honor and dignity'?
What does Hamlet mean by 'Use them after your own honor and dignity'?
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What is the name of the play within the play?
What is the name of the play within the play?
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What is Hamlet's second soliloquy about?
What is Hamlet's second soliloquy about?
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What does Hamlet hope to achieve by stating 'I have heard that guilty creatures sitting in a play...'?
What does Hamlet hope to achieve by stating 'I have heard that guilty creatures sitting in a play...'?
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What does Hamlet mean when he says 'The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king'?
What does Hamlet mean when he says 'The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king'?
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Where is Polonius sending Reynaldo?
Where is Polonius sending Reynaldo?
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Why does Polonius send Reynaldo on his journey?
Why does Polonius send Reynaldo on his journey?
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What does Polonius's actions reveal about his character?
What does Polonius's actions reveal about his character?
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How does Ophelia describe Hamlet's appearance?
How does Ophelia describe Hamlet's appearance?
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What is Polonius's conclusion about Hamlet?
What is Polonius's conclusion about Hamlet?
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Study Notes
Hamlet Act 2 Overview
- Reynaldo is Polonius's servant, tasked with spying on Laertes in France.
- Hamlet's antic disposition begins when he enters Ophelia's room, marking the start of his feigned madness.
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's childhood friends, are employed by King Claudius to observe Hamlet's behavior.
- Polonius suspects Hamlet's madness stems from his love for Ophelia, leading to various manipulative schemes.
- Ophelia has been advised by her father Polonius to avoid Hamlet, which adds strain to their relationship.
- A letter from Norway indicates that Fortinbras has diverted his military ambitions toward Poland, needing Claudius's permission to pass through Denmark.
- The Queen’s remark "More matter with less art" expresses her frustration with Polonius's long-winded explanations.
- Polonius reads Hamlet's love letters to Ophelia in front of the royal court as supposed proof of Hamlet's love.
- To test Polonius's theory, he plans to hide with Claudius behind curtains to eavesdrop on Hamlet's interaction with Ophelia.
- Polonius observes Hamlet's behavior and remarks on the existence of method in what appears to be madness.
Hamlet's Reflections
- Hamlet expresses feelings of entrapment, stating "Denmark's a prison," and reveals his initial intent to return to school in France.
- The quote "For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" highlights Hamlet's perception-driven worldview.
- Hamlet delivers a profound monologue on humanity, portraying the contradictions of human nature and expressing disdain for people, particularly women.
- He transitions from a general dislike of humanity to specific grievances against Claudius, Gertrude, and Ophelia, reflecting his melancholic disposition.
Interactions and Dynamics
- Hamlet treats the visiting players with kindness and respect, emphasizing his regard for their artistry and lack of class distinction.
- In contrast, Polonius is dismissive toward the players, illustrating his self-importance and condescension.
- Hamlet advises the players to "use them after your own honor and dignity," encouraging mutual respect in their craft.
- The play within the play is titled "The Murder of Gonzago," which Hamlet intends to use to gauge King Claudius's guilt through his reaction.
Hamlet's Internal Conflict
- In soliloquy number 2, Hamlet grapples with procrastination and his tragic flaw, recognizing the urgency to act against Claudius.
- He ponders the impact of theater on guilt, believing that watching the play will reveal the truth about Claudius's actions and validate the ghost's claims.
- The line "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king" encapsulates Hamlet’s plan to provoke Claudius into revealing his guilt.
Polonius’s Characterization
- Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to spy on Laertes, demonstrating his controlling and distrustful nature as a father.
- This action showcases Polonius's character as nosy and overly concerned with appearances.
Ophelia's Observations
- Ophelia describes Hamlet's disturbed state, noting his pale visage and dark clothing, signaling his deep distress and the impact of his father’s death and his mother’s remarriage on his mental health.
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Description
Explore the key events and characters in Act 2 of Shakespeare's Hamlet. This act introduces Hamlet's feigned madness, Polonius's schemes, and the relationship strain between Hamlet and Ophelia. Join us to test your understanding of this crucial part of the play.
