Act 2 Scene 2 Flashcards
What is the setting of Act 2 Scene 2 of Hamlet?
The setting is in the castle of Elsinore.
Who enters first in Act 2 Scene 2?
King Claudius and Queen Gertrude enter first.
What does Polonius believe about Hamlet’s behavior?
Polonius believes that Hamlet’s madness is due to his love for Ophelia.
True or False: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sent to spy on Hamlet.
True
What does Claudius ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?
Claudius asks them to find out the cause of Hamlet’s strange behavior.
Fill in the blank: Polonius uses _______ to confirm his theory about Hamlet’s madness.
Ophelia
What is the main purpose of the players’ arrival in Act 2 Scene 2?
The players arrive to perform a play for the court.
What play does Hamlet ask the players to perform?
Hamlet asks them to perform ‘The Murder of Gonzago.’
How does Hamlet plan to use the play?
Hamlet plans to use the play to gauge Claudius’s guilt.
Who is the character that delivers the famous line ‘the play’s the thing’?
Hamlet
What does Hamlet say about the nature of acting?
Hamlet reflects on the ability of actors to portray emotions convincingly.
What does Polonius suggest to Claudius about Hamlet?
Polonius suggests that Hamlet’s madness is due to his love for Ophelia.
True or False: Hamlet expresses excitement about the players’ arrival.
True
What does Hamlet ask the players to add to their performance?
Hamlet asks them to add lines that reflect the murder of his father.
What does Claudius fear regarding Hamlet?
Claudius fears that Hamlet poses a threat to his throne.
What does Hamlet mean by ‘I have of late…lost all my mirth’?
He expresses his deep sadness and disillusionment.
Who does Hamlet refer to when he says ‘the king doth wake tonight’?
He refers to King Claudius.
What is Polonius’s plan to test his theory about Hamlet?
Polonius plans to eavesdrop on a conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia.
Fill in the blank: The players are also known as _______.
the troupe
What does Hamlet call the world in his soliloquy?
He calls it an ‘unweeded garden.’
Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
They are childhood friends of Hamlet.
What does Hamlet accuse Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of?
He accuses them of being spies for the king.
What is the significance of the play within the play?
It serves as a device to reveal Claudius’s guilt.
How does Hamlet feel about the players?
He admires their ability to convey emotion.
Fill in the blank: Hamlet’s famous soliloquy reflects his struggle with _______.
depression
What does Hamlet mean by ‘to be or not to be’?
He contemplates existence and the nature of life.
What does Polonius think of Hamlet’s madness?
He believes it is caused by unrequited love.
What does Hamlet ask the actors to do before performing?
He asks them to rehearse and perform well.
True or False: Hamlet trusts Rosencrantz and Guildenstern completely.
False
How does the scene end?
It ends with Hamlet preparing for the performance of the play.
What literary device is prominently used in Hamlet’s soliloquy?
Soliloquy
What theme is explored through Hamlet’s interactions with the players?
The theme of appearance versus reality.
What does Hamlet hope to achieve by watching Claudius during the play?
He hopes to see if Claudius reacts guiltily.
Fill in the blank: Hamlet’s emotional turmoil is a central _______ of Act 2 Scene 2.
conflict
