Hamlet Play Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Where does this play take place?

Denmark (Castle Elsinore)

Why has Horatio joined Marcellus and Bernardo at their night watch?

To see the apparition.

How does Horatio interpret the appearance of the ghost?

He looks like the late King Hamlet.

What three questions does Marcellus raise?

<ol> <li>Why the guards are extra active. 2) Why so many cannons are being manufactured and so many weapons being imported. 3) If something is about to happen.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the events that have led to preparations for war.

The late King Hamlet was dared to do battle by the Norwegian King Fortinbras with the stake of life and territory. Hamlet triumphed, but now Fortinbras' son is assembling a group to reclaim the lost territory. Signup and view all the answers

What three reasons does Horatio list for the superstition of a ghost's returning from the grave?

<ol> <li>Precursors of feared events. 2) Harbingers preceding fated events. 3) As prologue to the coming omens.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why do Horatio and Marcellus decide to tell Hamlet?

They feel obligated to do so out of honor, duty, and love. Signup and view all the answers

What news does King Claudius announce at the opening of scene two?

He has married Queen Gertrude, his late brother's wife. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Claudius send Cornelius and Voltimand to Norway?

To deliver the letter he's written to Fortinbras' uncle to stop his nephew's siege. Signup and view all the answers

What bothers Claudius and Gertrude about Hamlet's dress?

They're black, indicating he's still mourning his father; they feel he should have moved on by now. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Claudius want Hamlet to remain at court?

He's closest to the throne and wants to keep him close due to his status as competition. Signup and view all the answers

About how long has Hamlet's father been dead?

Less than two months. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Hamlet says, 'Frailty, thy name is woman!'

He's remarking upon the weakness in character of women, based on how quickly his mother remarried after the death of his father. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of scene two, what is Hamlet's plan?

He plans to stand guard with Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo in hopes of seeing his father's ghost. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Laertes warn his sister Ophelia not to place too much hope in Hamlet's attentions to her?

Laertes claims that she's too young and that their love is a youthful infatuation that will fade over time. Signup and view all the answers

What does Laertes say must govern Hamlet's marriage choice?

He must act for the betterment of the kingdom due to the nobility of his birthright. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Ophelia in turn give to Laertes?

She advises him to not be a hypocrite. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what 'Give thy thoughts no tongue, / Nor any unproportioned thought this act.' means.

Keep your thoughts private and don't act impulsively. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what 'Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.' means.

Listen to the opinions of others but keep your own to yourself. Signup and view all the answers

What are Polonius' instructions to Ophelia about Hamlet?

He advises that she not heed his declarations of love as he just wants to have sex with her. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be; / For loan oft loses both itself and friend...' means.

Never borrow from nor lend to a friend as the loan usually ends up unpaid and the friendship is ruined. Signup and view all the answers

What is happening at the court while Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are on the platform?

King Claudius is having a celebration in honor of his marriage to Queen Gertrude. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet denounce the custom of drunken celebration?

He feels it besmirches the kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Characters

Setting: Entire play occurs in Denmark, specifically at Castle Elsinore.
Main Characters: Key figures include Hamlet, King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Horatio, Marcellus, Bernardo, and Laertes.

Ghost and Superstition

Horatio's Motivation: Joins the night watch to witness a ghostly apparition.
Interpretation: Horatio identifies the ghost resembling the late King Hamlet.
Marcellus' Concerns: Raises questions about the guards’ activity and unusual military preparations, suspecting impending trouble.
Superstitions: Horatio lists reasons for ghostly returns as omens before significant events.

The Court and Royal Affairs

King Claudius' Announcement: Declares marriage to Gertrude, widow of his brother, the late King Hamlet.
Diplomatic Maneuvers: Sends Cornelius and Voltimand to Norway to address Fortinbras' military ambitions.
Hamlet's Mourning: His black attire signifies his grief, causing concern for Claudius and Gertrude, who believe he should have moved on.

Family Dynamics and Relationships

Hamlet's Competition: Claudius aims to keep Hamlet close to avoid threats to his rule.
Ophelia and Laertes: Laertes warns Ophelia against Hamlet, considering his feelings to be mere youthful infatuation.
Advice Between Siblings: Ophelia advises Laertes against hypocrisy, while Laertes offers practical advice regarding reputation and relationships.

Polonius' Wisdom

Polonius’ Advice to Laertes: Encourages discretion in speech and thought; emphasizes the importance of listening over speaking.
Advice on Love: Advises Ophelia to disregard Hamlet’s affection, suggesting he is untrustworthy in intentions.
Financial Caution: Stresses the importance of avoiding loans to maintain friendships.

Themes of Celebration and Morality

Celebration at Court: Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus encounter a court event celebrating Claudius and Gertrude's marriage.
Hamlet's Disdain: Critiques the behavior of drunken revelry at court, feeling it tarnishes the dignity of the kingdom.

Hamlet's Intentions

Hamlet's Plan: Aims to join the night watch to witness the ghost, fueled by his desire for answers about his father's death.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Shakespeare's Hamlet with these flashcards. This quiz covers key elements such as characters, setting, and important questions arising in the play. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic tragedy.