Act 1 Scene 3

Question 1

For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favor, hold it a fashion, and a toy in blood, a violet in the youth of primy nature. Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,
The perfume and suppliance of a minute; No more.
(5)

Answer 1

Speaker: Laertes speaking to Ophelia.
Context: Laertes and Ophelia are discussing her relationship with Hamlet. Laertes is giving her advice.
Importance:
Laertes believes that Hamlet’s love for Ophelia is not real.
Shows that Laertes cares about his sister. He warns Ophelia that young love never lasts
Foreshadowing the end of Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship

Question 2

The virtue of his will; but you must fear, his greatness weigh’d, his will is not his own; for he himself is subject to his birth.
(16)

Answer 2

Speaker: Laertes speaking to Ophelia.
Context: Laertes is giving Ophelia advice that she should break things off with Hamlet because he most probably does not really love her and even if he does, he is not at liberty to choose a bride since he is the heir to the throne and prince of Denmark.
Importance:
When Laertes says that “his will is not his own,” it foreshadows that Hamlet will go crazy proved by the double-meaning of the word “will.”
Foreshadows that their relationship won’t last.

Question 3

Affection! pooh! you speak like a green girl
(101)

Answer 3

Speaker: Polonius
Context: Polonius giving advice to Ophelia after her proclamation of love towards Hamlet
Importance:
Has the reader questioning if he is a good dad, contrasting his advice towards his 2 children
Calling Ophelia naive

Question 4

Ay, springes to catch woodcocks
(115)

Answer 4

Speaker: Polonius
Context: Polonius’ reaction to Ophelia claim that Hamlet has hinted towards a marriage proposal
Importance:
Calling Ophelia naive, words are traps to get her into bed (exactly like a woodcock, a dumb bird which falls into traps)
Polonius doesn’t believe that hamlet actually loves her, foreshadows their relationship will end

Question 5

I shall obey, my lord.
(136)

Answer 5

Speaker: Ophelia
Context: The end of the conversation between Ophelia and Polonius after he proclaims that Hamlet is only using her
Importance:
Play on the word “lord”. It could be Polonius or Hamlet
No matter who she was referring to, she’s still stuck in a win-lose situation (obeying one but disobeying the other)