Act 1, Scene 2

Question 1

Function of scene?

Answer 1

Introduction to main characters
Extreme grief by Hamlet as a result of father’s death
Claudius in charge of state- dismisses Hamlet’s grief

Question 2

First description of Hamlet?

Answer 2

Dressed in black- defined by grief- secondary victim of regicide

Question 3

Two quotes to describe the crime of incest?

Answer 3

Our sometime sister now our queen

A little more than kin, a little less kind

Question 4

How does Claudius justify the murder?

Answer 4

Marriage is a defence against Norway and young Fortinbras

Question 5

How is Hamlet’s grief shown in his soliloquy?

Answer 5

How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world

Question 6

How is the crime of incest intensified?

Answer 6

The speed to which it occurs

Horatio says ‘I came too see your father’s funeral’ in which Hamlet replies ‘You came to see my mother’s wedding’

Question 7

How does Claudius dismiss Hamlet’s grief?

Answer 7

That father lost, lost his

Question 8

Hamlet’s reaction to ghost?

Answer 8

I doubt some foul play- foul deeds will rise and overwhelm them to men’s eyes
Ghost is not yet fully trusted- suggests that crimes cannot be hidden- natural justice