English 12th grade: Hamlet Test Flashcards
What is the setting of the action in the play?
Elsinore, Denmark, in and around the royal palace. 14th/15th century.
In act 1, scene 1 why is a strict watch being maintained outside the castle of Elsinore?
soldiers of Norway could be planning an attack during the war between Norway.
Why is Horatio being included in the next watch?
because they wanted to show him that they saw the ghost of the recently deceased king hamlet, which they claimed has appeared before them on the castle ramparts in the late hours of the night. Maybe be able to verify that there is an actual ghost and not just a figment of their imagination.
What was the outcome of the conflict between King Hamlet and King Fortinbras of Norway?
King hamlet killed Fortinbras and took over the disputed land.
In act 1, scene 2 what do we find out about Claudius’s fortune and how it has changed?
He is now married to his brother’s wife and now king of Denmark.
What problems does Claudius need to address this passage?
Claudius needs to hide his superstition of killing his own brother. Send a message to the Norway person. Get hamlet’s approval.
What do we learn about Hamlet’s first soliloquy?
In his first soliloquy he thinks about the despicable marriage between his uncle and his mother. He realized that his mother really loved his father and acted heartbroken when he died, but she was faking it. His mother was selfish and people really suck in this world. Hamlet thinks that suicide would be a good idea.It is a sin against God in shakespeare’s time. He is sad about his father’s death. (Makes u see what he feels)
In act 1, scene 3 what advice does Laertes give ophelia about Hamlet? What reason does he give her?
Laertes gives Ophelia advice on how Hamlet might have to marry someone in his own rank. He feels as though Hamlet might take advantage of his younger sister. He warns her about having sex with him because she might she will become damaged. To stay away from him because he is not thinking of her and is a player.
What order does polonius give Ophelia?
Cautions her against falling in love with Hamlet. Stay away from him.
In your own words, list 4 things polonius advises his son.
- Do not tell others what he is thinking, and not to quick on what you think. (Don’t be a borrower)
- Be friendly to others but do not over do the niceness.
- Do not easily pick a fight with others. (Don’t judge)
- Stay true to your word, be honest
In act 1, scene 4 read Hamlet’s passage beginning with “aye, marry, is’t.” What does Hamlet say about the behavior at court? What point does he make about men in general and how are they judged?
He is saying that they are criticizing people for their heritage and the way they are but they shouldn’t. He is saying that men get drunk and are judged by it, but people question their nobility because of it and they shouldn’t. He says that that’s just the way they are and they can’t help it. And just because they do one bad thing, it takes the spotlight from all of the good things they do.
Why do Hamlet’s friends try to prevent him from following the ghost?
They try to prevent him because they are freaking out and they think it might convince him to do terrible things and make him go insane. And to make sure he is not harmed.
Marcellus says, “something is rotten in the state of Denmark..” What does this mean in the context and what universal meaning does it take on? (think of question #1 of your Biblical Integration)
He is talking about the ghost of king hamlet that is haunting Denmark and he is hoping that God will take care of it.
In act 1, scene 5 what important information do we find out about the crime?
It is revealed that Claudius killed Hamlet’s elder while he was sleeping with poison.
What responsibility does the ghost lay on Hamlet? What is his immediate response?
To take revenge on his father’s death. He was eager to avenge his father’s death.
Why do you think Hamlet swears his friends to secrecy?
Hamlet wants to take care of Claudius himself.
What do you think is Hamlet’s dilemma at the end of act 1?
He has to take care of the situation without letting people know what’s happening.
In act 2, scene 1 how does polonius react to the news of Hamlet’s strange behavior?
Polonius studied her face, and then abruptly left.
What evidence is there that Hamlet actually has affections for Ophelia?
The letters are a sign of affections and mostly his behavior.
What trait of polonius is revealed by his plans to spy on his son? What does it reveal about Laertes?
He reveals that he is a mistrustful and a deceitful man trying to spy on his own son.
In Act 2, scene 2 how is young Fortinbras’s problem solved? What has Norway given him to quiet young Fortinbras?
Fortinbras intended to invade Denmark, the king had ordered him to abandon his plan.
What is polonius’s explanation for hamlet’s insanity? Why would the king prefer this to be true?
Polonius told the king and queen that he had discovered the Hamlet’s love for Ophelia, and he believes that the lost love is rooted because of the cause of Hamlet’s madness.
Why has the king summoned Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
He wants them to figure out why his nephew is mad and the king why Hamlet is acting the way he was.
What is polonius’s plan to prove that Hamlet loves Ophelia?
Polonius is going to test if Hamlet really does love Ophelia proving his theory of Hamlet’s behavior towards her.
In act 3, scene 1 what information does the king want to know when he questions Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
He wants to know whether or not they got information on Hamlet and his behavior.
What is Claudius’s important decision regarding Hamlet? What is polonius’s plan for a meeting that also involves Hamlet?
Claudius’s important decision is whether to send Hamlet to England in order for him to feel better from his craziness. Polonius’s plan is to make Ophelia act as if she is reading a religious book and for her to find out why he is acting the way he is.
