Hamlet Analysis: Death and Relationships

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

He reminisces about him and talks about the equality achieved through death. Signup and view all the answers

About how old is Hamlet?

30 Signup and view all the answers

What does the gravedigger state about England?

The people are so crazy, they won't know if he's crazy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's relationship to the man whose bones have been removed from the grave?

Yorick was the court jester at King Hamlet's court when Hamlet was a child. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Laertes and Hamlet's actions at the funeral.

They argue about who loved Ophelia more. Signup and view all the answers

Hamlet says he will fight Laertes in order to prove what?

He loved Ophelia the most. Signup and view all the answers

Relate Hamlet's musings on the skulls to his earlier reference to man as a 'quintessence of dust.'

Both times he relates that death is the great equalizer among the classes. Signup and view all the answers

How is Hamlet's attitude toward death in this scene different from that in his earlier speeches?

He is not afraid, but is resigned to the inevitability of death. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet relate to Horatio?

The events on the ship, he switched the letters, etc. Signup and view all the answers

Osric tells Hamlet about a bet between Laertes and Claudius. What is this bet?

Claudius has bet Laertes 5 horses that Hamlet can beat him in a fencing match. Signup and view all the answers

Did the bet actually take place? Explain.

No, it is part of a plan to get Hamlet to fight Laertes so he and the king can kill Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's response to the challenge?

He will do whatever the king wants him to do. Signup and view all the answers

What is Horatio's opinion about Hamlet's above response?

He thinks he will lose. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet think he can win the match against Laertes?

Because Laertes has been in France, and he has been practicing every day. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's state of mind just before he goes to fence with Laertes?

He says that his death is inevitable and will come either now or later. His conscience appears to be clear and he is no longer afraid of dying. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's attitude toward Laertes at the beginning of the match?

He asks for forgiveness. He seems resigned to whatever happens. Signup and view all the answers

How do the deaths of the Queen, King, Laertes, and Hamlet come about?

Queen drinks the poison made up by Claudius that was meant for Hamlet. Hamlet kills Claudius as a result. Laertes scrapes Hamlet with his poisoned sword and this causes him to begin to die. Signup and view all the answers

As Hamlet dies, what does Horatio agree to do?

Tell his story. Signup and view all the answers

Who arrives at the end of the play? What is his reaction to what he finds in Denmark?

Fortinbras and a messenger from England. Fortinbras is saddened by the chaos and death. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Fortinbras orders that Hamlet be given a soldier's burial?

Fortinbras believes Hamlet would have been the king and a good one. Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

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!