Act 2 Scene 1

Question 1

Who is the primary character introduced in Act 2 Scene 1 of Hamlet?

Answer 1

Polonius

Question 2

What is Polonius’s relationship to Laertes?

Answer 2

Polonius is Laertes’s father.

Question 3

What does Polonius send his servant, Reynaldo, to do?

Answer 3

Polonius sends Reynaldo to Paris to spy on Laertes.

Question 4

True or False: In Act 2 Scene 1, Polonius believes Laertes is behaving well in Paris.

Answer 4

False

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Polonius gives Reynaldo specific instructions on how to __________ Laertes.

Answer 5

gather information about

Question 6

What does Polonius suspect is the cause of Hamlet’s strange behavior?

Answer 6

Polonius suspects it is due to Hamlet’s love for Ophelia.

Question 7

Who is Ophelia in relation to Polonius?

Answer 7

Ophelia is Polonius’s daughter.

Question 8

What does Ophelia report to her father about Hamlet?

Answer 8

Ophelia reports that Hamlet has been behaving erratically and appeared disheveled.

Question 9

What advice does Polonius give to Ophelia regarding Hamlet?

Answer 9

Polonius advises Ophelia to avoid Hamlet and not to engage with him.

Question 10

True or False: In Act 2 Scene 1, Ophelia is completely dismissive of Hamlet’s affections.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What does Polonius decide to do after hearing Ophelia’s account of Hamlet?

Answer 11

Polonius decides to inform King Claudius of his suspicions.

Question 12

What literary device is prevalent in Polonius’s speech?

Answer 12

Polonius often uses lengthy and convoluted language, showcasing his tendency for verbosity.

Question 13

What does Polonius believe about the nature of Hamlet’s madness?

Answer 13

Polonius believes it is love-induced madness.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Polonius uses __________ to manipulate and control information about Laertes.

Answer 14

espionage

Question 15

What theme is highlighted through Polonius’s actions and dialogue in this scene?

Answer 15

The theme of appearance versus reality.

Question 16

What does Reynaldo’s mission reveal about Polonius’s character?

Answer 16

It reveals Polonius’s manipulative and controlling nature.

Question 17

Short answer: How does Ophelia describe Hamlet’s appearance when he visits her?

Answer 17

She describes him as looking pale and disheveled.

Question 18

Who does Polonius intend to report his findings to?

Answer 18

King Claudius and Queen Gertrude.

Question 19

True or False: Act 2 Scene 1 marks the first time Hamlet’s madness is questioned by Polonius.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

What does this scene foreshadow regarding the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia?

Answer 20

It foreshadows the complexity and turmoil in their relationship.