Hamlet Act 5 Scene 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Where does this scene take place?

the graveyard

What are the gravediggers discussing?

why Ophelia is getting a Christian burial since she killed herself

Why do the gravediggers believe that Ophelia is being buried in sacred ground?

because she came from a wealthy family

Why do they argue that gravediggers are the best builders?

because gravediggers build houses that last until Judgement Day Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of this conversation between the gravediggers?

they are justifying that their jobs are meaningful, even if they aren't wealthy Signup and view all the answers

As Hamlet passes by with Horatio, what amazes him?

the gravedigger is singing while digging a grave Signup and view all the answers

When Hamlet sees the skull, what does he begin to do?

rant about the disrespect the gravediggers have for the deceased bodies Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Hamlet reach about a person's acquisitions?

"things" don't matter after a person has died Signup and view all the answers

What connection does Hamlet have with the gravedigger?

the gravedigger has been the church warden ever since the day Hamlet was born Signup and view all the answers

How old was Hamlet at this time?

30 years old Signup and view all the answers

Whose skull was found?

Yorick, King Hamlet's jester Signup and view all the answers

What connection does Hamlet have to Yorick?

Hamlet grew up with him. He was his father's (King Hamlet's) jester. Hamlet was very close to him & he made the court laugh. Signup and view all the answers

About what does Hamlet begin to muse?

Alexander the Great and Caesar, both great leaders, were turned to dust when they died. Dust turns to dirt, which in turn turns to mud. Were their ashes used to patch holes? Signup and view all the answers

What interrupts Hamlet's musings?

the king, queen, Laertes, & a priest with a coffin Signup and view all the answers

Why has Ophelia been given a brief funeral?

because she took her own life - she committed suicide Signup and view all the answers

Why is Laertes upset?

because the priest cannot give her any more rights Signup and view all the answers

How does the priest respond to Laertes' remarks?

He cannot give her any more rights because her death was suspicious. If the king had not ordered that she be buried in the church graveyard, she would have been buried outside the church graveyard, which is likely where she belonged because she committed suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What does Laertes say about his sister?

to lay her in the ground and let violets bloom from her flesh - she will be an angel in heaven while the priest will be howling in hell Signup and view all the answers

What comment does the queen make as she scatters flowers over the grave?

She hoped Ophelia would be Hamlet's wife, & she would be tossing flowers over her wedding bed, not her grave. Signup and view all the answers

What does Laertes impulsively do?

he jumps into Ophelia's grave Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet do and what happens?

Hamlet also jumps into Ophelia's grave & he and Laertes begin to fight Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say about Ophelia?

that he loved her more than Laertes, her brother, did Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet ask Laertes?

Hamlet asks Laertes what he will do for Ophelia because Hamlet will do it too (& better) Signup and view all the answers

What does the king tell Laertes to do?

to not forget about their talk last night (the fencing fight with Hamlet with plans to kill him), to be patient, & they will take care of the problem (aka Hamlet) soon Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Characters

The scene unfolds in a graveyard, highlighting themes of death and mortality.
The primary characters include two gravediggers, Hamlet, Horatio, Laertes, Queen Gertrude, and King Claudius.

Gravediggers' Conversation

Gravediggers discuss the reasons behind Ophelia's Christian burial, questioning the morality of her suicide.
They conclude that Ophelia deserves sacred ground due to her noble birth, reflecting societal values on social class and death.

Themes on Life and Work

Gravediggers pride themselves on their profession, claiming that they build lasting "houses" for the dead until Judgement Day, emphasizing the importance of their work despite its lack of wealth.
Their conversation justifies the meaningfulness of their labor, providing commentary on societal views of profession and status.

Hamlet's Realization

Hamlet's amazement at a gravedigger singing while working reveals his contemplation of death contrasted with the mundane nature of life.
Upon seeing a skull, Hamlet criticizes the disrespect shown by gravediggers towards the remains, leading him to reflect on the futility of earthly possessions after death.

Connection to the Past

Hamlet discovers that the gravedigger he converses with has been the church warden since his birth, establishing a personal history and connection to the graveyard.
At 30 years old, Hamlet grapples with existential thoughts, especially upon finding Yorick's skull, his father's jester, evoking nostalgia and sorrow for lost companionship.

Reflection on Mortality

Hamlet muses on the inevitable fate of great historical figures, considering that even the mightiest will eventually return to the earth as dust, pondering the equality of death.

Funeral and Grief

Ophelia's funeral is brief due to the stigma of suicide, causing distress for Laertes who desires more honor for his sister.
The priest explains the limits of Ophelia’s funeral rights, highlighting the moral and social complexities surrounding her death.

Expressions of Loss

Laertes expresses deep sorrow for Ophelia, envisioning her as an angel and criticizing the priest’s theological constraints on her burial rites.
Queen Gertrude's gesture of scattering flowers reflects her sorrow and the tragic potential of Ophelia’s life, lamenting lost possibilities of marriage.

Conflict and Climax

In a moment of impulsive grief, Laertes leaps into the grave, which escalates into a physical confrontation when Hamlet follows suit.
Hamlet asserts his love for Ophelia, claiming that it exceeds Laertes’ devotion, creating tension between the two characters.

Revenge Plans

The king advises Laertes to remain patient regarding their plot to eliminate Hamlet, suggesting a strategic and manipulative partnership in their schemes of revenge.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Act 5 Scene 1 of Hamlet with these flashcards. This scene takes place in a graveyard, featuring discussions among gravediggers and their thoughts on Ophelia's burial. Understand the characters' perspectives and the implications of social class on burial rites in this pivotal moment of the play.