Act 1, Scene 5

Question 1

Plot summary of Act 1, Scene 5?

Answer 1

Ghost reveals the nature of his death- Killed by Claudius, act of regicide and fratricide

Question 2

Which is more shocking regicide or fratricide?

Answer 2

Fratricide is a private horror, but regicide is a public tragedy and has a wider impact on society- ultimate sin

Question 3

Quote that describes the murder/revenge?

Answer 3

‘Revenge his foul and most un-natural murder’

Question 4

Hamlet’s initial outlook to revenge?

Answer 4

Intent on revenge’ avenging his father’s death ‘may sweep to my revenge’

Question 5

Quote that describes how the murdered occurred?

Answer 5

‘That serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown’- Biblical reference to evil

Question 6

Quote that describes Claudius?

Answer 6

That incestuous and adulterate beast

Question 7

How is old King Hamlet a victim?

Answer 7

He was not given a chance to pray and is suffering in purgatory

Question 8

Hamlet’s ending reaction to revenge?

Answer 8

Reluctant/ not suited to the role a revenger - ‘O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right’

Question 9

Hamlet’s moral crimes foregrounded?

Answer 9

‘To put an antic disposition on’- warning to Horatio

Horatio in previous scene said ‘and draw you into madness’