Questions and Answers
What message do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern carry to the King, and what is the King's response?
Hamlet doesn't really give them straight answers. The boys tell Claudius of Hamlet's interest in the theater troop. Claudius tells them to encourage Hamlet's interest in the play.
What are the main points of Hamlet's famous 'To be or not to be' soliloquy?
Hamlet talks about whether it's better to live or commit suicide. He fears what happens after death; it's against the Catholic religion to commit suicide, leading people to suffer out of fear of the afterlife.
Describe Hamlet's tone when he speaks to Ophelia.
Hamlet is angry and tells Ophelia to become a nun and to never marry or have children, reasoning that children become terrible. He appears to be losing his sanity.
What do the King and Polonius decide about Hamlet's condition after eavesdropping on Hamlet and Ophelia?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Hamlet give instructions to the players?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the King's reaction to the play, and what did Hamlet and Horatio decide his reaction meant?
Signup and view all the answers
What message does Rosencrantz deliver from the Queen?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the King have Rosencrantz and Guildenstern prepare to do, and why?
Signup and view all the answers
Why doesn't Hamlet kill the King when the King is kneeling?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Polonius die?
Signup and view all the answers
What would Hamlet have his mother do?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's Message
- They inform King Claudius about Hamlet's interest in the theater.
- Claudius instructs them to encourage Hamlet's engagement with the play.
Hamlet's Soliloquy: "To be or not to be"
- Explores the existential question of living versus suicide.
- Fears the uncertainty of death, influenced by his religious beliefs against suicide.
Hamlet's Tone with Ophelia
- Exhibits anger and bitterness, advising Ophelia to become a nun and shun marriage.
- Reflects his cynicism regarding humanity and family.
King's and Polonius's Assessment of Hamlet
- Claudius concludes Hamlet's melancholy is not due to love.
- Polonius insists Hamlet's madness stems from unreturned affection for Ophelia.
Instructions to the Players
- Hamlet directs the actors to perform a reenactment mimicking his father’s murder.
- Aims to observe Claudius's reaction to gauge his guilt.
Claudius's Reaction to the Play
- The King abruptly halts the performance.
- Hamlet and Horatio interpret this as a sign of Claudius's guilt in King Hamlet’s murder.
Queen's Message to Hamlet
- The Queen desires to converse with Hamlet before bedtime for an emotional reconciliation.
King's Orders for Hamlet
- Claudius plans to send Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to England with Hamlet.
- Aims to mitigate the perceived threat posed by Hamlet's erratic behavior.
Hamlet's Decision to Spare Claudius
- Chooses not to kill Claudius while he kneels in prayer.
- Believes killing him during repentance would send Claudius to Heaven, contrary to Hamlet’s intentions.
Polonius's Death
- Stabbed by Hamlet while hiding behind a tapestry.
- The act occurs inadvertently as Hamlet reacts to a noise.
Hamlet's Expectations for His Mother
- Urges Gertrude to cease her relationship with Claudius and to confess her sins.
- Wants her to keep the pretense of his madness a secret from Claudius.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the pivotal moments in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' through this quiz, focusing on themes of existentialism, madness, and manipulation. Understand the complex relationships and motivations driving the characters, including Hamlet, Claudius, and Ophelia. Test your knowledge on how these elements contribute to the play's enduring legacy.