Hamlet Test Flashcards

Key Characters in Hamlet

• Voltemand: A courtier at the Danish court who informs about Prince Fortinbras's intentions.
• Rosencrantz: Hamlet's ex-friend and a courtier in Denmark, navigating ties with royalty.
• Cornelius: Also a courtier at the Danish court, known for his humorous nickname (corny).
• Guildenstern: Another former friend of Hamlet, noted for his poor skill with the recorder compared to his deceptive nature.

Royal Family Dynamics

• Queen Gertrude: Widow of King Hamlet; her marriage to Claudius raises questions of loyalty and betrayal.
• King Claudius: Gertrude's new husband and brother to the late King Hamlet; his actions directly influence the plot.
• Prince Hamlet: The protagonist, son to King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude, struggles with grief and vengeance.

Significant Relationships

• Polonius: Chief advisor to Claudius, father to Ophelia and Laertes, plays a pivotal role in court intrigues.
• Ophelia: Daughter of Polonius and love interest of Hamlet; her fate is crucial to the story.
• Laertes: Brother of Ophelia; his character stands in contrast to Hamlet and serves as a catalyst for conflict.

Settings and Locations

• Denmark: The primary setting for the play, depicting the troubled royal court.
• Wittenburg: The place of education for Hamlet and Horatio, symbolizing their intellectual ties.
• France: The home country of Laertes, contrasting Denmark's political scheming.

Themes and Symbols

• Hyperion: A sun god in mythology, symbolizing Hamlet’s idealization of his father.
• Niobe: Another mythological figure; Hamlet uses her to illustrate the grief of his mother after King Hamlet's death.
• Frailty: A trait Hamlet attributes to women, reflecting his disillusionment following his mother’s marriage.

Other Notable Characters

• The Ghost: The spirit of King Hamlet, whose appearance sets the revenge plot in motion.
• Gravediggers: Referred to as "Two Clowns," they provide comic relief while serving as a vehicle for existential themes.
• Reynaldo: Servant to Polonius; he is involved in espionage activities concerning Laertes.

Plot Devices

• Players: The actors who perform "The Murder of Gonzago," also known as "The Mousetrap," to gauge Claudius's guilt.
• Hebona: The poison used to murder King Hamlet, symbolizing treachery and corruption within the royal family.

Military and Political Context

• Fortinbras: Prince of Norway, his ambitions reflect themes of action and revenge paralleling Hamlet’s quest.
• Danish Soldiers: Characters like Francisco, Bernardo, and Marcellus represent the vigilance and tension surrounding the court.