Shakespeare - Hamlet
1. How does Gertrude seek to shield Hamlet in this scene?
2. What are Claudius‘s chief concerns about the murder?
2
1. How does Hamlet reveal his ?antic disposition?? What else may he reveal
about his attitudes to his friends?
3
1. What reasons does Claudius give for not proceeding with legal actionagainst Hamlet? What are other reasons?
2. What are the details of the King‘s plan for Hamlet (ll. 67-77)?
3. Note images of sickness and disease. Why are they significant?
4
1. Of what importance is the first appearance of Fortinbras?
2. What are the points of comparison between him and Hamlet?
3. Hamlet talks about, "Some craven scruple/Of thinking too precisely on the event." Comment on this phrase as providing the reason for Hamlet's delay.
What conclusion does Hamlet come to about greatness? What is the effect of Fortinbras‘s appearance in the play on Hamlet?
4. Explain Hamlet‘s attitude at the end of the act.
5.
1. What is the dramatic purpose of Ophelia‘s madness? What are its causes?
2. What are the contrasts between Laertes and Hamlet?
3. How does Claudius show himself to be resourceful, courageous and manipulative?
1. What qualities of Hamlet does his letter show? What has happened to Hamlet?
2. How does his return affect the plot?
3. Explain how Claudius is able to manipulate Laertes into helping him. Explain the plan they devise. How does Claudius show himself to be
unscrupulous and clever at the same time?
4. Explain the significance of the poison imagery.