Hamlet by William Shakespeare Summary

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Who discovers the ghost of King Hamlet first at Elsinore Castle?

Polonius

Horatio (correct)

Claudius

Rosencrantz

What task does the ghost of King Hamlet assign to Prince Hamlet?

To overthrow the kingdom

To become the new king

To seek revenge on his murderer (correct)

To marry Queen Gertrude

Who does Claudius and Gertrude employ to watch over Hamlet due to his erratic behavior?

Hamlet's friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (correct)

The traveling actors

The watchmen

Polonius and Ophelia

Why do Claudius and Gertrude suspect that Hamlet may be mad?

Due to his love for Ophelia Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet react when the group of traveling actors arrives at Elsinore?

He seizes upon an idea to test his uncle's guilt Signup and view all the answers

What is Polonius's suggestion for Hamlet's erratic behavior?

That he is mad with love for Ophelia Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet react to Ophelia's presence when she is sent to speak with him?

He orders her to enter a nunnery Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for orchestrating the plan to have Hamlet killed in England?

Claudius Signup and view all the answers

What leads Hamlet to spare Claudius's life when he finds him praying?

Belief in divine intervention Signup and view all the answers

Why does Polonius hide behind a tapestry in Gertrude's bedchamber?

To eavesdrop on Hamlet and Gertrude Signup and view all the answers

How does Gertrude meet her end in the play?

Poisoned by Claudius Signup and view all the answers

What prompts Laertes to agree to a plan devised by Claudius for Hamlet's death?

Fear of Hamlet's madness Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet ultimately ensure Claudius's death in the play?

Stabbed with a poisoned sword Signup and view all the answers

Who takes control of the kingdom after the tragic events unfold?

Fortinbras Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event leads Ophelia to go mad and eventually drown?

Father’s murder Signup and view all the answers

What is the main internal conflict that drives the plot of Hamlet?

Hamlet's struggle with avenging his father's death Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet struggle to take decisive action against Claudius?

He doubts the information about his father's murder Signup and view all the answers

What makes the ending of Hamlet particularly horrifying?

There is a lack of resolution Signup and view all the answers

How do Hamlet's attempts to gather evidence of Claudius's guilt affect the plot?

They deepen Hamlet's internal struggle Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main crises that Hamlet finds himself in the midst of?

Nation under attack, family falling apart, personal unhappiness Signup and view all the answers

What event triggers Claudius's suspicion that Hamlet's madness poses a danger?

Hamlet's staging of a play Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet decide not to kill Claudius while he is praying?

He fears Claudius will go to heaven Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet do impulsively due to his erratic behavior, mistaking Polonius for someone else?

Kills Polonius Signup and view all the answers

Who is accidentally poisoned due to a plot against Hamlet, leading to their death?

Gertrude Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Hamlet to finally take his revenge and kill Claudius towards the end of the play?

His imminent death due to poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Ghost's warning to Hamlet not to contrive against his mother?

To prevent Hamlet from harming Gertrude in his pursuit of revenge Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet consider faking an 'antic disposition' after encountering the Ghost?

To create a distraction and buy time to plan his revenge Signup and view all the answers

What internal conflict does Hamlet face that contributes to his delayed revenge?

Struggling with anger and vengeful emotions Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet's internal struggle deepen as the rising action progresses?

Concerns about whether the Ghost may have malicious intentions Signup and view all the answers

What troubling development in Hamlet's feelings towards women raises questions about his motivations for revenge?

His misogynistic outburst towards Ophelia and women in general Signup and view all the answers

Which relationship in the play shows the strongest overtones of incestuous desire?

Hamlet and Ophelia Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that inhibits Hamlet's relationships with Ophelia and Gertrude?

Misogyny Signup and view all the answers

What motif runs throughout the play and is frequently alluded to by Hamlet and the ghost?

Incest Signup and view all the answers

Which character in the play becomes cynical about women in general?

Hamlet Signup and view all the answers

In what relationship can a subtle motif of incestuous desire be found?

Laertes and Ophelia Signup and view all the answers

9

9 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea conveyed about the use of words in the text?

Words can be manipulated to deceive and gain power. Signup and view all the answers

How does Claudius use words to enhance his power according to the text?

By manipulating situations and people through deception. Signup and view all the answers

What does the pouring of poison into the king's ear symbolize in the text?

Claudius's dishonesty corroding Denmark's health. Signup and view all the answers

How are ears and hearing significant in representing sinister uses of words in the text?

They serve as tools in corrupt quests for power. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet's claim to Horatio that 'I have words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb' suggest?

Hamlet's words have the power to silence Horatio. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius's act of pouring poison into the king's ear signify?

A gesture of deep betrayal and hatred. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ghost mean by stating that 'the whole ear of Denmark' is 'Rankly abused'?

'Ear' symbolizes how words have been used dishonestly in Denmark. Signup and view all the answers

What insight can be gained about Hamlet's character from the way he speaks when he is alone?

He becomes more philosophical and reflective. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Hamlet's speech during the 'To be, or not to be?' monologue?

It delves into the suffering of existence and contemplation of suicide. Signup and view all the answers

In moments of solitude besides the 'To be, or not to be?' monologue, how would you describe Hamlet's speech style?

It becomes less philosophical but remains fluent with rhetorical flourish. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet's changing linguistic style say about his character?

He adapts his speech based on his surroundings and emotional state. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Yorick's skull in Hamlet?

Symbolizes death's inevitability and the disintegration of the body Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet's fascination with lips on Yorick's skull reveal?

His contemplation of the consequences of death Signup and view all the answers

What do the flowers Ophelia gives out symbolize in Act IV?

Remembrance and thoughts Signup and view all the answers

How do Ophelia's actions with the flowers contribute to the play's themes?

They symbolize her descent into madness Signup and view all the answers

What cultural connotations do the flowers Ophelia gives Claudius and herself represent?

Bitterness and repentance Signup and view all the answers

What do violets primarily symbolize when mentioned in relation to Ophelia's actions?

Ophelia's virtue and modesty Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet use his clothing as a form of communication in the play?

To display his grief over his father's death Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Hamlet's refusal to change his black clothing upon request?

He is expressing his true state of grief Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet's clothing change when he visits Ophelia in Act II scene i?

He is in a state of disarray and partial undress Signup and view all the answers

What impact do Ophelia's flowers have on the other characters and audience throughout the play?

They remind of corruption and tragedy Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet's use of mourning clothing suggest about his relationship with the new king Claudius?

He is grieving his father's death deeply Signup and view all the answers

What do Ophelia's flowers symbolize as she drowns bedecked in them?

Tragedy and innocence lost Signup and view all the answers

What message does Hamlet convey through his mourning attire according to the text?

An expression of deep grief over his father's passing Signup and view all the answers

How does Ophelia's use of rue towards Claudius and herself impact their relationship dynamics?

It represents bitterness and repentance, causing tension Signup and view all the answers

What do Hamlet's black clothing represent in contrast to the rest of the palace?

Grief that sets him apart from those accepting Claudius as king Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet use his wardrobe as a tool for communication according to the text?

To express his true state of grief and mourning Signup and view all the answers