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Questions and Answers
What is the summary of Ophelia's condition?
What is the summary of Ophelia's condition?
Ophelia is crazy with grief for her father's death and Claudius fears that the murder will have serious consequences. Laertes demands retribution, and his anger is heightened when he sees his sister.
What does the Gentlemen report to Gertrude about Ophelia's condition? (Select all that apply)
What does the Gentlemen report to Gertrude about Ophelia's condition? (Select all that apply)
What does Gertrude remark about the recent happenings?
What does Gertrude remark about the recent happenings?
She has a sick and guilty soul, and everything is full of uncontrolled suspicion that leads to fears destroying her.
What does Ophelia sing about to the Queen?
What does Ophelia sing about to the Queen?
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What does Ophelia sing about to Claudius?
What does Ophelia sing about to Claudius?
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Who is instructed to watch Ophelia?
Who is instructed to watch Ophelia?
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What does Claudius mean by 'when sorrow comes, they come not single spies but in battalions'?
What does Claudius mean by 'when sorrow comes, they come not single spies but in battalions'?
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What does Claudius blame for Hamlet's absence?
What does Claudius blame for Hamlet's absence?
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What type of monarchy did Denmark have?
What type of monarchy did Denmark have?
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What mood is Laertes in? (Select all that apply)
What mood is Laertes in? (Select all that apply)
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What did Elizabethans believe about their king?
What did Elizabethans believe about their king?
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How do the king and queen act toward Laertes?
How do the king and queen act toward Laertes?
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Study Notes
Ophelia's Condition and Grief
- Ophelia descends into madness due to her father's death, prompting fear in Claudius about potential consequences.
- Laertes seeks vengeance, intensified by seeing Ophelia's state.
Gentlemen's Report to Gertrude
- Gertrude learns that Ophelia is behaving erratically and is easily offended.
- Despite her nonsensical talk, people try to interpret her words, reflecting their own fears and concerns.
- Ophelia's unhappiness may lead to dangerous implications, suggesting she might pose harm.
Gertrude's Reflections
- Gertrude feels guilt and illness, seeing every little incident as the precursor to greater disasters.
- She is consumed by unfounded suspicions that fuel her fears.
Ophelia’s Songs
- Ophelia sings melancholic ballads about her father and Hamlet, highlighting her sorrow.
- Her songs indicate a lack of a proper burial for Polonius, as they hint at the absence of traditional mourning practices.
Subject of Ophelia's Singing
- She references St. Valentine's Day, presenting a cynical view of love and betrayal.
- Critiques men's promises of marriage that lead to betrayal, explicitly connected to Hamlet’s actions.
Religious References
- "Gis" refers to Jesus, while "Saint Charity" symbolizes virtue.
Terms and Their Meanings
- "Cock" serves as a pun indicating both God and a sexual reference.
- "Muddied" describes a confused state, akin to stirred water, illustrating the chaos surrounding Hamlet.
Claudius’s Perspective
- Claudius deflects responsibility for Hamlet’s absence, portraying Hamlet as the cause of his own departure.
- Uses the royal plural "we" to signify himself and shift the blame.
- Claudius discusses judgement, equating lack of it with being less than human.
Laertes' Fury and Public Sentiment
- Laertes harbors intense anger towards Claudius, exhibiting disrespect and contempt.
- News spreads that the populace favors Laertes as king, challenging the traditional monarchy.
Laertes' Response to Calmness Advice
- Laertes refuses to calm down, suggesting that doing so would betray his family's honor and legacy.
Elizabethan Beliefs About Kingship
- Kings were seen as divine representatives, believed to be under God's protection.
Interaction with Laertes
- Initially restrained by the Queen, Claudius and Gertrude endeavor to calm Laertes while denying his accusations against Claudius.
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Description
Explore key concepts and definitions from Act 4 Scene 5 of Hamlet. This quiz focuses on Ophelia's state of mind and the reactions of other characters to her grief. Perfect for reviewing important themes and character dynamics.
