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Questions and Answers
Who is Voltemand?
Courtier at the Danish court who gets word about Fortinbras.
Who is Rosencrantz?
Courtier at the Danish court, and ex-friend of Hamlet.
What is Norway's significance in the play?
Homeland of Prince Fortinbras.
Who is Queen Gertrude?
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Who is Polonius?
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Who is Cornelius?
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Who is Hamlet?
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Who is Horatio?
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To whom does Hamlet compare his father?
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Who is Guildenstern?
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Who are Francisco, Bernardo, and Marcellus?
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What happened to King Hamlet?
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Who is Fortinbras?
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What is Laertes' homeland?
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Who is Orisic?
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What is Hebona?
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Where did Hamlet and Horatio study?
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What trait does Hamlet associate with women?
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Who is Niobe?
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What is the setting of the play?
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Who are the Two Clowns?
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What play do the Players perform?
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Who is Reynaldo?
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Who is the ghost in Hamlet?
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What happens to Francisco in Act 1 Scene 1?
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Who is Laertes?
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Who is Ophelia?
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Who is King Claudius?
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Study Notes
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.
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 focusing on key characters and terms. Each card provides essential information about figures such as Voltemand, Rosencrantz, and Queen Gertrude. Perfect for students preparing for exams or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this classic play.
