Hamlet: Polonius and Ophelia Insights

Questions and Answers

Why does Polonius send Reynaldo to Paris?

To spy on Laertes and gather information.

Briefly describe how Polonius suggests Reynaldo might seek 'directions out.'

By making up stories about Laertes so people who do know him will either agree or disagree and tell him the truth.

What has frightened Ophelia?

Hamlet came into her room looking like he came back from hell.

How was Hamlet dressed?

No hat, unbuttoned shirt, dirty stockings around his ankles. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ophelia think was wrong with Hamlet?

She is afraid Hamlet has gone mad due to his love for her. Signup and view all the answers

How does Polonius explain Hamlet's behavior?

Hamlet is love crazed. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Polonius set off to see the King?

To tell the king about Hamlet's 'condition'. Signup and view all the answers

Why has the King sent for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

To spend time with Hamlet and to see if they can get him back to normal/observe what is wrong with him. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the beginning of this scene with the beginning of the previous scene. How are they alike?

People asking to spy on people. Signup and view all the answers

What reward does the Queen suggest that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern may receive?

They will be 'thanked royally'. Signup and view all the answers

From line 43, does Claudius seem to value Polonius or to disregard him?

Value - says something about bringing only good news. Signup and view all the answers

To what causes does Gertrude attribute Hamlet's 'distemper' or 'lunacy'?

His father's death or her marriage to Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

Old Norway thought young Fortinbras was preparing to fight the _____?

Polish Signup and view all the answers

Fortinbras, however, was actually preparing to fight _____?

Denmark Signup and view all the answers

What is old Norway's state of age, health and power?

Old and sick but still very powerful. Signup and view all the answers

What request does Norway make of Denmark?

To march their troops through Denmark on the way to Poland. Signup and view all the answers

What is Polonius' definition of madness?

Mad is mad Signup and view all the answers

What does Gertrude mean when she says 'more matter with less art'?

Get to the point. Signup and view all the answers

To what does Polonius attribute Hamlet's madness?

Ophelia shut him out, driving him mad. Signup and view all the answers

Compare Hamlet's conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with his preceding conversation with Polonius. What do you conclude about Hamlet's madness?

He does not act crazy around them. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet suspect that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were sent for?

To spy on him to determine his sanity. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's mood as he describes it in lines 283-298?

??? Signup and view all the answers

Hamlet is familiar with the players Rosencrantz mentions in line 301+. Why are these players traveling?

They don't get enough business in the city. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hamlet, what do those who used to make faces at Claudius do now?

Beg to paint portraits of him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Polonius consider it significant that Hamlet brings up Jephthah and his daughter? Is he correct?

He compares Jephthah to Polonius because of their daughters - yes. Signup and view all the answers

What concerns does Hamlet have about the boy-actress' voice and height?

They will grow too old for their parts. Signup and view all the answers

Hamlet asks the player to speak a speech from a play. What is the subject of that speech, and why is it significant?

Murder Signup and view all the answers

What play does Hamlet ask the players to perform on the following night? What does he want added?

The Murder of Gonzago, a speech of 12-16 lines he composed. Signup and view all the answers

What contrast does Hamlet make between himself and the Player King?

The actor can conjure up emotions and tears from fiction while he can't, and he is living actual Hell. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's plan 'to catch the conscience of the king'?

Have the actors perform the murder of his father. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Polonius and Reynaldo

Polonius sends Reynaldo to Paris to spy on Laertes and gather intel on his behavior.
Reynaldo is instructed to use indirect methods, such as fabricating stories about Laertes, to elicit responses from those who know him.

Ophelia's Distress

Ophelia is frightened by Hamlet's disheveled appearance, akin to someone returned from hell.
Hamlet appears without a hat, in an unbuttoned shirt, and with dirty stockings around his ankles.

Hamlet's Mental State

Ophelia fears that Hamlet's behavior indicates madness stemming from his love for her.
Polonius concludes that Hamlet is "love crazed" due to Ophelia's rejection.

Royal Investigation

Polonius seeks an audience with the King to discuss Hamlet's troubling state.
King Claudius summons Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to observe and interact with Hamlet in hopes of discovering the cause of his behavior.

Surveillance and Spying

The opening scene mirrors the previous one, with characters keen on spying to uncover truths.
Gertrude expresses that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will be "thanked royally" for their efforts, indicating royal approval for their surveillance.

Hamlet's Distemper

Gertrude links Hamlet's state of mind to the recent death of his father and her quick remarriage to Claudius.

Fortinbras and Norway

Old Norway mistakenly believes that young Fortinbras is preparing to attack the Polish.
In truth, Fortinbras has intentions to invade Denmark, demonstrating tension in the region despite Norway's weakened state.

Polonius and Madness

Polonius simplifies madness by stating "mad is mad," indicating his understanding of mental instability.
Gertrude’s advice to Polonius to speak plainly reflects the need for clarity amidst confusion.

Hamlet's Interaction with Friends

Hamlet perceives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's arrival as a spying mission rather than a friendly visit.
He maintains composure around them, contrasting his more erratic behavior when discussing his troubles with Polonius.

Players and Theatrical Concerns

The traveling players seek work, revealing the struggles of entertainers in this era.
Hamlet reflects on the transient nature of actors, lamenting that their talents may diminish with age.

The Murder Theme

Hamlet engages in a speech about murder with the Player King, which underscores his preoccupation with his father’s death and the act of revenge.
Hamlet commissions the players to perform "The Murder of Gonzago," incorporating a speech of his own design to provoke Claudius.

Emotional Contrast

Hamlet contrasts his inability to express emotions over real-life tragedy with the Player King's ability to evoke tears from mere fiction.

Theatrical Plan

Hamlet devises a plan to use the play to "catch the conscience of the king" by mirroring his father’s murder, aiming for a reaction from Claudius that would reveal his guilt.

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Description

Explore critical relationships in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' focusing on Polonius, Reynaldo, and Ophelia. This quiz highlights Polonius's schemes to understand his son Laertes and Ophelia's fears regarding Hamlet's mental state. Delve into the themes of surveillance and the implications of love-driven madness.