Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where does this play take place?
Where does this play take place?
Denmark (Castle Elsinore)
Why has Horatio joined Marcellus and Bernardo at their night watch?
Why has Horatio joined Marcellus and Bernardo at their night watch?
To see the apparition.
How does Horatio interpret the appearance of the ghost?
How does Horatio interpret the appearance of the ghost?
He looks like the late King Hamlet.
What three questions does Marcellus raise?
What three questions does Marcellus raise?
Summarize the events that have led to preparations for war.
Summarize the events that have led to preparations for war.
What three reasons does Horatio list for the superstition of a ghost's returning from the grave?
What three reasons does Horatio list for the superstition of a ghost's returning from the grave?
Why do Horatio and Marcellus decide to tell Hamlet?
Why do Horatio and Marcellus decide to tell Hamlet?
What news does King Claudius announce at the opening of scene two?
What news does King Claudius announce at the opening of scene two?
Why does Claudius send Cornelius and Voltimand to Norway?
Why does Claudius send Cornelius and Voltimand to Norway?
What bothers Claudius and Gertrude about Hamlet's dress?
What bothers Claudius and Gertrude about Hamlet's dress?
Why does Claudius want Hamlet to remain at court?
Why does Claudius want Hamlet to remain at court?
About how long has Hamlet's father been dead?
About how long has Hamlet's father been dead?
Explain why Hamlet says, 'Frailty, thy name is woman!'
Explain why Hamlet says, 'Frailty, thy name is woman!'
At the end of scene two, what is Hamlet's plan?
At the end of scene two, what is Hamlet's plan?
Why does Laertes warn his sister Ophelia not to place too much hope in Hamlet's attentions to her?
Why does Laertes warn his sister Ophelia not to place too much hope in Hamlet's attentions to her?
What does Laertes say must govern Hamlet's marriage choice?
What does Laertes say must govern Hamlet's marriage choice?
What advice does Ophelia in turn give to Laertes?
What advice does Ophelia in turn give to Laertes?
Explain what 'Give thy thoughts no tongue, / Nor any unproportioned thought this act.' means.
Explain what 'Give thy thoughts no tongue, / Nor any unproportioned thought this act.' means.
Explain what 'Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.' means.
Explain what 'Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.' means.
What are Polonius' instructions to Ophelia about Hamlet?
What are Polonius' instructions to Ophelia about Hamlet?
Explain what 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be; / For loan oft loses both itself and friend...' means.
Explain what 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be; / For loan oft loses both itself and friend...' means.
What is happening at the court while Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are on the platform?
What is happening at the court while Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are on the platform?
Why does Hamlet denounce the custom of drunken celebration?
Why does Hamlet denounce the custom of drunken celebration?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
