Hamlet Act 2 Overview

Questions and Answers

Who is Reynaldo?

Polonius's servant

When does Hamlet's antic-disposition start?

The scene when he goes into Ophelia's room

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'?

Polonius Signup and view all the answers

What has Ophelia been told?

Not to see Hamlet anymore Signup and view all the answers

What does the letter from Norway say back to Denmark?

That Uncle Fortinbras stopped young Fortinbras from attacking Denmark and now he wants to attack Poland, but he needs permission from Claudius to do that. Signup and view all the answers

Who says 'More matter with less art'?

Queen Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius do in front of Ophelia and the royals to prove Hamlet's madness?

He reads the love letters that Hamlet wrote to Ophelia. Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius plan to do to prove his theory about Hamlet's madness?

Set up Ophelia and Hamlet and spy on them. Signup and view all the answers

Who says 'Though this be madness, yet there is method in't'?

Polonius Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean when he says 'Denmark's a prison'?

He feels trapped in Denmark due to his circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean by 'For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so'?

It's your perception that shapes your understanding of good and bad. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say about the human condition in 'What a piece of work is a man'?

Hamlet expresses his disillusionment with humanity, viewing its greatness as ultimately meaningless. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say when he claims 'Man delights not me, nor woman neither'?

He expresses his disdain for humankind, specifically targeting Claudius, Gertrude, and Ophelia. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet treat the players?

He is nice to them and welcomes them respectfully. Signup and view all the answers

How does Polonius treat the players?

Polonius treats them poorly, like the lower class. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean by 'Use them after your own honor and dignity'?

He tells them to treat others as they wish to be treated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the play within the play?

The 'Murder of Gonzago' Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's second soliloquy about?

It reflects his procrastination and feeling of guilt for not taking action. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet hope to achieve by stating 'I have heard that guilty creatures sitting in a play...'?

He hopes to observe Claudius's reaction to confirm his guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean when he says 'The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king'?

He plans to expose Claudius's guilt through the play. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Polonius sending Reynaldo?

Polonius is sending Reynaldo to France. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Polonius send Reynaldo on his journey?

To spy on his son. Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius's actions reveal about his character?

It shows that Polonius is very nosy and doesn't trust his son. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ophelia describe Hamlet's appearance?

She says Hamlet looked very pale in the face and was wearing dark black clothes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Polonius's conclusion about Hamlet?

This information is incomplete. Signup and view all the answers

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.