Hamlet Act 3 Scenes 1-4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern say about Hamlet's behavior?

He acts strangely, but does not seem crazy.

What is the main idea of Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' speech?

Hamlet is thinking about killing himself.

How does Hamlet act when he first sees Ophelia after his speech?

He greets her pleasantly.

What causes the tone of the conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia to change abruptly?

Ophelia gives back the letters and gifts Hamlet gave her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet tell Ophelia about his feelings for her?

He says both that he loved her and did not love her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say about marriage after telling Ophelia to go to a nunnery?

We shall have no more marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean when he says, 'those that are married already, all but one, shall live'?

Everyone who is currently married will stay alive, except one person: Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ophelia say about Hamlet after he yells at her to go to a nunnery?

She is sorry for him and for herself, because she thinks he is crazy. Signup and view all the answers

What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Claudius that Hamlet is excited about?

Seeing the players perform. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius say about Hamlet's behavior after watching him interact with Ophelia?

He does not think Hamlet is crazy because of love for Ophelia. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius decide to do with Hamlet after watching him and Ophelia?

Send him to England. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Hamlet supposed to go after Polonius asks Claudius to arrange it?

To see his mother. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet tell the first player?

Hamlet is coaching him on how to perform. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet ask Horatio to do during the play's performance?

Watch Claudius and see if he reacts to the play. Signup and view all the answers

Who wants Hamlet to sit nearby during the play, and who does he prefer to sit with?

Gertrude wants Hamlet to sit by her, but he prefers Ophelia. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet act towards Ophelia before the play begins?

He flirts with her and makes suggestive remarks. Signup and view all the answers

How does Claudius react when the play shows a king being poisoned?

He is bored and does not seem to care. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first part of the players' performance in Act 3, Scene 2?

A dumb show, in which they do not speak. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gertrude mean when she says, 'The lady protests too much, methinks'?

The player queen swearing her loyalty to her first husband. Signup and view all the answers

What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern ask Hamlet to do after the play is performed?

Go see his mother. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet talk to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about a recorder?

Hamlet says they want to play him like a recorder and get information out of him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius ask Hamlet to do after the play is performed?

Go see the queen. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say when Claudius reacts to the play?

'What, frightened with false fire!' Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean when he says, 'I will speak daggers to her, but use none'?

He will speak harshly and honestly to Gertrude, but will not hurt her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius say about Hamlet's condition after witnessing his behavior during the play?

Hamlet is crazy and dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more sympathetic to Claudius, Hamlet, or someone else?

Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to do with Hamlet after his behavior during the play-within-a-play?

Take him to England. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hamlet Act 3, Scenes 1-4 Study Notes

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern observe Hamlet's behavior as strange yet not indicative of madness.
Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy contemplates suicide and the nature of existence.
Upon seeing Ophelia, Hamlet initially greets her in a friendly manner, showing his dual nature.
The conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia shifts when she returns his letters and gifts, indicating a change in their relationship.
Hamlet expresses conflicting feelings for Ophelia, stating he loved her and simultaneously denying any love.
Hamlet's harsh words to Ophelia about going to a nunnery reflect his disillusionment with marriage.
He warns that all married people, except Claudius, are safe, suggesting Claudius is marked for death.
Ophelia expresses sorrow and concern for Hamlet's apparent madness, feeling pity for both herself and him.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern inform Claudius that Hamlet eagerly anticipates the performance by the players.
Claudius observes Hamlet closely, concluding that his behavior does not stem from love for Ophelia.
Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England, seeing it as a solution to the perceived threat Hamlet poses.
Polonius asks Claudius to arrange a meeting between Hamlet and his mother after the play.
Hamlet converses with the first player to direct his performance, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
Hamlet instructs Horatio to observe Claudius during the play to gauge his reaction.
Gertrude requests Hamlet to sit with her during the play, but he prefers the company of Ophelia.
Before the play begins, Hamlet engages in flirtation and light-hearted banter with Ophelia.
Claudius displays indifference during the scene in which a king is poisoned, seeming bored.
The first part of the play consists of a dumb show, communicating through action rather than words.
Gertrude comments on the player queen's vows of loyalty, suggesting overzealousness in her protestations.
After the performance, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern advise Hamlet to visit his mother.
Hamlet uses a recorder analogy to illustrate how Rosencrantz and Guildenstern aim to manipulate him.
Following the play, Polonius once again encourages Hamlet to see the queen.
Hamlet taunts Claudius's fearful reaction to the play, remarking on his "frightened" demeanor.
Hamlet declares he will verbally confront Gertrude but vows not to harm her physically.
Claudius concludes that Hamlet’s behavior is dangerous and indicative of madness.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern display loyalty to Claudius, aligning themselves with his perspective.
Following the play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are tasked with escorting Hamlet to England.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key details from Act 3, Scenes 1-4 of Shakespeare's Hamlet. This quiz covers important quotes and character actions, including Hamlet's famous soliloquy. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the play.