Hamlet Act V Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the three purposes of the Gravedigger's scene?

Comic relief (correct)

Provides the commoners' viewpoint on the events (correct)

Prepares the audience for death (correct)

All of the above

Whose skull does Hamlet hold and reminisce about?

Yorick

Why doesn't the priest give Ophelia a complete burial?

There are suspicions surrounding the circumstances of Ophelia's death.

What does Laertes do after Ophelia's body is placed in the grave?

He jumps into the grave to hold her one last time. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet react when Laertes jumps into Ophelia's grave?

Hamlet becomes very upset and wrestles with Laertes. Signup and view all the answers

What is sad about Laertes and Hamlet fighting over Ophelia's dead body?

Nobody showed that much care for her while she was alive. Signup and view all the answers

What thoughts about the fencing match does Hamlet reveal to Horatio?

Hamlet is suspicious and ponders that he may even die. Signup and view all the answers

What does the queen do after the second bout?

The queen takes a drink from the poisoned cup. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens during the third bout.

Laertes wounds Hamlet with the poisoned sword. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Laertes say is responsible for their deaths and how does Hamlet react?

Laertes says the king arranged the match; Hamlet reacts by wounding the king. Signup and view all the answers

What do Hamlet and Laertes do just before they die?

They exchange forgiveness for each other's deaths. Signup and view all the answers

What two good decisions does Hamlet make in his short time as king?

He stops Horatio from drinking the poisoned wine and names Fortinbras as king. Signup and view all the answers

Who else arrives at the castle after everybody has died?

Fortinbras arrives on his way back from Poland. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly defend the interpretation that Hamlet is motivated by ambition.

He sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths with a letter he swapped. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly defend the interpretation that Hamlet is misled by the ghost.

The ghost seeks revenge on Claudius and may not care about Hamlet's fate. Signup and view all the answers

How does this play incorporate the element of a tragic hero?

Hamlet's flaw is not taking action and mistakenly killing Polonius. Signup and view all the answers

How does this play incorporate the element of comic relief?

Comedy is found in the Gravedigger's scene and Hamlet's exchanges. Signup and view all the answers

How does this play incorporate internal and external conflicts?

Hamlet's internal conflict is whether to take action; external conflicts include Hamlet vs. Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

How does this play incorporate revenge motives?

Hamlet seeks revenge on Claudius, Laertes seeks revenge on Hamlet, and Fortinbras seeks revenge on Denmark. Signup and view all the answers

How does this play incorporate the element of chance happenings?

Hamlet's ship to England is an example of chance that alters the course of events. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gravedigger's Scene

Serves as comic relief, contrasting the heavy themes of death and tragedy.
Provides a commoners' perspective on the royal events and enhances accessibility of the play.
Prepares the audience for the theme of death, contextualizing the inevitability of mortality.

Yorick's Skull

Hamlet reminisces about Yorick, a court jester who entertained during his father's reign, highlighting the theme of lost innocence.

Ophelia's Burial

Ophelia does not receive a full Christian burial due to suspicious circumstances surrounding her death; it is suspected to be suicide.
The king intervenes to allow a partial burial service, illustrating themes of political influence and morality.

Laertes' Grief

Laertes jumps into Ophelia's grave, showcasing his deep sorrow and inability to cope with her death.

Hamlet's Outburst

Reacts intensely to Laertes' actions, emphasizing his feelings for Ophelia and escalating the conflict between the two characters.

Tragic Irony

The love that Laertes and Hamlet express for Ophelia starkly contrasts with the lack of care or attention she received while alive.

Hamlet and Horatio

Reveals Hamlet's suspicions about the fencing match, indicating awareness of possible fatal outcomes.
Embraces acceptance of death with the statement, "The readiness is all," showcasing his growth in character acceptance.

Gertrude's Fate

The queen's action of drinking poisoned wine highlights her tragic role and perceived sacrifice for Hamlet, further complicating familial allegiances.

The Final Bout

Laertes wounds Hamlet with a poisoned sword; both characters ultimately suffer from their conflict, symbolizing the futility of their revenge.

Laertes’ Accusation

Points fingers at Claudius for orchestrating the deadly match, leading to Hamlet’s final act of vengeance against the king.

Forgiveness Before Death

Hamlet and Laertes reconcile and forgive each other, showcasing themes of redemption and the importance of amends.

Hamlet's Leadership

In his brief reign, Hamlet makes two critical decisions: prevents Horatio from drinking poison and names Fortinbras as successor, indicating his desire to restore order.

Arrival of Fortinbras

Fortinbras shows up post-tragedy, symbolizing a new beginning and restoration of political stability.
English ambassadors provide news of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's deaths, reflecting themes of betrayal and political intrigue.

Ambition Interpretation

Hamlet's ambition is evident when he prioritizes his ascension to power, exemplified by his betrayal of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Ghost's Influence

Suggests ambiguity in the ghost's motivations, potentially endangering Hamlet’s fate, prompting questions about loyalty to the dead.

Shakespearean Tragic Elements

Hamlet embodies the tragic hero with his indecision, leading to his critical mistake of killing Polonius instead of Claudius.

Comic Relief in the Play

Injected through the Gravedigger's humorous exchange, Hamlet’s banter with Osric, and mockery of Polonius, balancing the tragedy.

Internal and External Conflicts

Internal conflict revolves around Hamlet's hesitance to act against Claudius; external conflicts manifest as confrontations with other characters.

Revenge Motives

Central to the narrative: Hamlet seeks vengeance for his father, Laertes for Ophelia, and Fortinbras against Denmark for land grievances.

Chance Happenings

Chance plays a significant role in shaping events and catalyzing characters' actions, emphasizing unpredictability in life and fate.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Act V of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' with these flashcards. Delve into the themes, character reflections, and significant plot points that shape the concluding act of this classic tragedy. Perfect for students wanting to deepen their understanding of this dramatic work.