Questions and Answers
In Act 3 Scene 1, what does Hamlet express in his soliloquy?
What action does Hamlet tell Ophelia to take in Act 3 Scene 1?
Get thee to a nunnery
In Act 3 Scene 2, what does Hamlet do to Ophelia in front of others?
Claudius shows guilt during the play in Act 3 Scene 2.
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What does Claudius intend to do with Hamlet in Act 3 Scene 3?
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Hamlet kills Claudius in Act 3 Scene 3.
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What does Hamlet force Gertrude to do in Act 3 Scene 4?
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What does Claudius plan to do after Polonius' death in Act 4 Scene 1?
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Who tries to find out where Hamlet has hidden Polonius’ body in Act 4 Scene 2?
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What is Claudius' plan regarding Hamlet in Act 4 Scene 7?
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What does Hamlet reflect on while encountering the gravediggers in Act 5 Scene 1?
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Study Notes
Act 3 Summary
- Polonius arranges a secret meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia to spy on them.
- Hamlet's soliloquy reveals his desire for death, but fear of the unknown deters him.
- He harshly tells Ophelia to "get thee to a nunnery," indicating his disdain for women and love.
Act 3 Scene 2
- Hamlet uses crude humor to manipulate Ophelia and maintain his "mad" persona.
- The play within the play incites Claudius's guilt, leading him to leave in distress.
- Hamlet becomes convinced of Claudius's guilt, resolving to confront Gertrude about her new marriage.
Act 3 Scene 3
- Claudius plans to ship Hamlet to England, seeking a way to deal with Hamlet's behavior.
- Polonius eavesdrops on Hamlet's and Gertrude's conversation by hiding behind a curtain.
- Claudius attempts to pray but feels unworthy, choosing not to seek forgiveness, which Hamlet notices.
Act 3 Scene 4
- Hamlet confronts Gertrude, causing her distress and fear for her safety.
- He accidentally kills Polonius, mistaking him for Claudius.
- Hamlet urges Gertrude to reflect on her relationship with Claudius and forsake intimacy with him.
Act 4 Scene 1
- Gertrude reports Polonius's death to Claudius, emphasizing Hamlet’s madness.
- Claudius resolves to send Hamlet to England for safety to avoid backlash.
Act 4 Scene 2
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern fail to uncover Polonius's body from Hamlet.
Act 4 Scene 3
- Claudius confronts Hamlet to demand the location of Polonius's body.
- Claudius secretly plans Hamlet's execution through letters to the English king.
Act 4 Scene 4
- Hamlet encounters a Norwegian captain, reflecting on the nature of honor and action.
- The soldiers' motivation leads Hamlet to confront his own inaction about avenging his father.
Act 4 Scene 5
- Ophelia displays signs of madness, singing inappropriate songs following her father's death.
- Laertes arrives, furious over Polonius's death, rallying support from locals.
- Claudius assures Laertes he will explain the truth behind the events.
Act 4 Scene 6
- Sailors bring a message from Hamlet to Horatio, revealing his return to Denmark after a pirate encounter.
Act 4 Scene 7
- Claudius blames Hamlet for Polonius's death and Ophelia's insanity, wary of Gertrude's reactions.
- A plan to kill Hamlet is devised between Claudius and Laertes as they prepare for confrontation.
Act 5 Scene 1
- Hamlet and Horatio meet two gravediggers, leading Hamlet to contemplate mortality and the futility of earthly achievements.
- Hamlet reveals his identity and engages in a duel with Laertes at Ophelia’s grave, showcasing themes of revenge and grief.
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Description
Explore the intricate developments in Act 3 of Shakespeare's Hamlet. This act highlights Hamlet's complex emotions, the manipulation of Ophelia, and Claudius's guilt. Dive into the themes of madness, betrayal, and moral conflict as key characters navigate their tumultuous relationships.
