Questions and Answers
What are the three purposes of the Gravedigger's scene?
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?
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How does Hamlet react when Laertes jumps into Ophelia's grave?
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What is sad about Laertes and Hamlet fighting over Ophelia's dead body?
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What thoughts about the fencing match does Hamlet reveal to Horatio?
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What does the queen do after the second bout?
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Describe what happens during the third bout.
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Who does Laertes say is responsible for their deaths and how does Hamlet react?
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What do Hamlet and Laertes do just before they die?
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What two good decisions does Hamlet make in his short time as king?
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Who else arrives at the castle after everybody has died?
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Briefly defend the interpretation that Hamlet is motivated by ambition.
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Briefly defend the interpretation that Hamlet is misled by the ghost.
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How does this play incorporate the element of a tragic hero?
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How does this play incorporate the element of comic relief?
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How does this play incorporate internal and external conflicts?
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How does this play incorporate revenge motives?
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How does this play incorporate the element of chance happenings?
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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.