Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the gravediggers debating over?
What are the gravediggers debating over?
Ophelia and suicide, and whether she should have a Christian burial.
How does the gravedigger answer Hamlet's questions?
How does the gravedigger answer Hamlet's questions?
He doesn't answer the questions at first, but makes plays on words.
In lines 58-59, what reason does Hamlet give for not feeling guilty about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's deaths?
In lines 58-59, what reason does Hamlet give for not feeling guilty about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's deaths?
They got themselves involved by agreeing to follow him and spy on him.
How does Hamlet react to the skull that the gravedigger shows him? Why?
How does Hamlet react to the skull that the gravedigger shows him? Why?
About how old is Hamlet?
About how old is Hamlet?
What does the gravedigger state about England?
What does the gravedigger state about England?
What is Hamlet's relationship to the man whose bones have been removed from the grave?
What is Hamlet's relationship to the man whose bones have been removed from the grave?
Describe Laertes and Hamlet's actions at the funeral.
Describe Laertes and Hamlet's actions at the funeral.
Hamlet says he will fight Laertes in order to prove what?
Hamlet says he will fight Laertes in order to prove what?
Relate Hamlet's musings on the skulls to his earlier reference to man as a 'quintessence of dust.'
Relate Hamlet's musings on the skulls to his earlier reference to man as a 'quintessence of dust.'
How is Hamlet's attitude toward death in this scene different from that in his earlier speeches?
How is Hamlet's attitude toward death in this scene different from that in his earlier speeches?
What does Hamlet relate to Horatio?
What does Hamlet relate to Horatio?
Osric tells Hamlet about a bet between Laertes and Claudius. What is this bet?
Osric tells Hamlet about a bet between Laertes and Claudius. What is this bet?
Did the bet actually take place? Explain.
Did the bet actually take place? Explain.
What is Hamlet's response to the challenge?
What is Hamlet's response to the challenge?
What is Horatio's opinion about Hamlet's above response?
What is Horatio's opinion about Hamlet's above response?
Why does Hamlet think he can win the match against Laertes?
Why does Hamlet think he can win the match against Laertes?
What is Hamlet's state of mind just before he goes to fence with Laertes?
What is Hamlet's state of mind just before he goes to fence with Laertes?
What is Hamlet's attitude toward Laertes at the beginning of the match?
What is Hamlet's attitude toward Laertes at the beginning of the match?
How do the deaths of the Queen, King, Laertes, and Hamlet come about?
How do the deaths of the Queen, King, Laertes, and Hamlet come about?
As Hamlet dies, what does Horatio agree to do?
As Hamlet dies, what does Horatio agree to do?
Who arrives at the end of the play? What is his reaction to what he finds in Denmark?
Who arrives at the end of the play? What is his reaction to what he finds in Denmark?
Why do you think Fortinbras orders that Hamlet be given a soldier's burial?
Why do you think Fortinbras orders that Hamlet be given a soldier's burial?
Study Notes
Gravediggers and Ophelia's Burial
- Gravediggers debate Ophelia's eligibility for a Christian burial due to her suicide.
- Their conversation showcases dark humor and wordplay, reflecting on themes of death.
Hamlet's Guilt and Reactions
- Hamlet feels no guilt for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s deaths, citing their complicity in spying on him.
- Hamlet reacts with nostalgia upon seeing a skull, realizing the inevitability of death and its equalizing nature.
Characters and Relationships
- Hamlet is approximately 30 years old.
- Yorick, whose skull Hamlet examines, was the court jester during his childhood, highlighting the connection to his past.
Laertes and Hamlet's Conflict
- At Ophelia's funeral, Laertes and Hamlet argue over who loved her more, illustrating both rivalry and grief.
- Hamlet vows to duel Laertes to prove his love for Ophelia.
Death and Acceptance
- Hamlet compares the skulls to his view of man as "quintessence of dust," emphasizing death as the ultimate equalizer.
- His attitude towards death shifts from fear to resignation, accepting its inevitability.
Plot Developments and Schemes
- Hamlet informs Horatio about his actions on the ship, revealing he switched letters to escape assassination.
- Osric explains a bet made by Claudius that Hamlet can defeat Laertes in fencing, part of a larger plot to kill Hamlet.
Hamlet's State of Mind
- Before the match, Hamlet feels that death is unavoidable and his conscience is clear; he shows no fear of dying.
- He seeks Laertes' forgiveness, indicating his resigned acceptance of whatever outcome occurs.
Climactic Deaths
- The queen accidentally drinks poisoned wine meant for Hamlet, leading to tragic outcomes: Hamlet kills Claudius, is wounded by Laertes, and subsequently fatally wounds him with the mixed poisoned swords.
Final Moments and Legacy
- As Hamlet dies, Horatio pledges to tell his story, ensuring that Hamlet's legacy will be remembered.
- Fortinbras arrives at the end, saddened by the death and destruction in Denmark, and honors Hamlet with a soldier's burial, recognizing his potential as a leader.
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Description
Explore the themes of death, guilt, and relationships in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. This quiz delves into the dark humor of the gravediggers, Hamlet's reflections on mortality, and the conflict between Hamlet and Laertes at Ophelia's funeral. Test your knowledge of these pivotal moments in the play!
