Hamlet Act 5 Scene 2 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What did Hamlet do with the papers that the king had given to Rosencrantz & Guildenstern?

He found them and took them into his cabin to read before any of the English officials had read them.

What information did Hamlet find in the letters?

He found that the King (Claudius) had given orders to the English officials to cut Hamlet's head off immediately upon his arrival to England.

What did Hamlet do then?

Hamlet re-wrote the king's letter saying that those who delivered the letters (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern) should be put to death without giving them time to confess their sins.

What happened to Rosencrantz & Guildenstern?

They were killed. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet defend his devious action?

Hamlet defended himself by saying that Rosencrantz & Guildenstern got what they deserved - it's dangerous when little people get caught up in the crossfire of mighty opponents. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet tell Horatio that Claudius is guilty of?

Hamlet says Claudius killed his father (King Hamlet), made his mother a wh***, took the throne that belonged to him, & set a trap to try and kill him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say he is sorry for?

Hamlet says he is sorry for losing control with Laertes because Laertes' situation is just like his (they are both trying to get revenge for their fathers' death). Signup and view all the answers

What message does Osric bring to Hamlet?

That the king has placed a bet on Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's response?

Hamlet begs Osric to put his hat back on his head and not carry it in his hands. Signup and view all the answers

What two further messages arrive for Hamlet?

The king has bet 6 horses, and has arranged for 6 French swords and 3 carriages. Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Horatio give Hamlet?

Horatio warns Hamlet that he will lose the bet. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's response?

Hamlet thinks he will be just fine because he's been practicing fencing the whole time Laertes has been in France. Signup and view all the answers

What does Horatio offer to do?

Horatio offers to cover for Hamlet & say that Hamlet is not feeling well. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's reply?

Hamlet tells Horatio that he will do no such thing. Hamlet says that God is in control & everything will work out as it is destined to work out. Signup and view all the answers

What does this response reveal about Hamlet's state of mind?

That Hamlet isn't as crazy as everyone thinks he is - he is at peace with what is destined to happen. Signup and view all the answers

Before the match begins, what does Hamlet do?

Before the match, Hamlet shakes hands with Laertes. He apologizes to Laertes & blames his poor behavior on his mental illness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say is his enemy?

His mental illness. Signup and view all the answers

What is Laertes' response to Hamlet's apology?

Laertes says that he will not accept Hamlet's apology until he knows for sure that Hamlet wasn't responsible for his father's & sister's deaths. Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Hamlet give the king before the duel begins?

Hamlet warns King Claudius that he has bet on the weaker fencer. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius say will happen if Hamlet scores the first or second hit?

Claudius's soldiers will give Hamlet a military salute. Signup and view all the answers

Who scores the first hit? What happens?

Hamlet scores the first hit. Hamlet calls for a referee because Laertes disputes the call. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius drop into the cup he has prepared for Hamlet?

A pearl - this probably contains the poison. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Hamlet scores the second hit?

Laertes agrees that Hamlet got him on this one. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Hamlet drink from the cup that Claudius has prepared for him?

Because he wants to finish the round. Signup and view all the answers

What does the queen do?

Queen Gertrude drinks from Hamlet's cup. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hamlet - Act 5 Scene 2 Key Points

Hamlet intercepted letters meant for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, discovering they contained orders for his execution.
He penned a new letter, ordering the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, viewing their betrayal as deserved punishment.
Hamlet accuses Claudius of multiple crimes: murder of King Hamlet, dishonoring Gertrude, usurpation of the throne, and attempting to kill him.
Hamlet expresses regret for losing his temper with Laertes, recognizing their shared quest for vengeance.
Osric informs Hamlet about the King’s wager on him in the upcoming duel against Laertes.
Hamlet humorously requests Osric to wear his hat properly, highlighting his disdain for ostentation.
Claudius has bet six horses that Laertes will win and provided equipment favoring Laertes, setting conditions for the duel.
Horatio cautions Hamlet about the unfair odds of the bet, emphasizing the danger.
Confident in his fencing skills, Hamlet dismisses Horatio's warning, claiming he has been practicing during Laertes' absence.
Despite Horatio's offer to support his claim of illness, Hamlet insists that destiny will determine the outcome.
This acceptance of fate indicates Hamlet's inner peace, contrary to perceptions of his madness.
Before the duel, Hamlet reconciles with Laertes, attributing his past actions to his mental state.
Laertes refuses Hamlet’s apology until he confirms Hamlet's innocence regarding his family’s deaths.
Hamlet warns Claudius about the bet, revealing his awareness of the King’s manipulations.
Claudius promises military recognition for Hamlet if he scores the first or second hits in the duel.
Hamlet scores the first hit, leading to a dispute that is resolved in his favor by Osric.
Claudius secretly poisons a pearl and drops it into Hamlet's cup, intending to kill him.
After Hamlet lands a second hit, Laertes acknowledges the score.
Hamlet refuses to drink from the poisoned cup, prioritizing finishing the duel.
Unbeknownst to Hamlet, Queen Gertrude drinks from the poisoned cup, sealing her fate.

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Description

Test your understanding of Act 5 Scene 2 of Hamlet with this quiz. Explore key events and character actions, particularly focusing on Hamlet's discovery of the King's orders regarding his fate. This quiz will help reinforce your knowledge of the play's climax and themes.