HAMLET Flashcards
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What is believed to be the immediate source of Shakespeare’s Hamlet?
The immediate source of Shakespeare’s Hamlet is believed to be a play performed in Elizabethan theatres in the 1580s and 1590s, telling the story of a Danish prince called Hamlet. It is thought to have been written by Thomas Kyd, the author of The Spanish Tragedy.
Who becomes king of Denmark after Hamlet’s father is murdered, and whom does he marry?
Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, becomes king of Denmark after the murder of Hamlet’s father. He marries Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, soon after.
Why is Hamlet distressed at the beginning of the play?
Hamlet is distressed by the death of his father and the rapid remarriage of his mother, Gertrude, to his uncle Claudius.
What does the ghost of Hamlet’s father reveal to Hamlet?
The ghost reveals that Hamlet’s father was murdered by his own brother, Claudius, and urges Hamlet to avenge his death.
What is Hamlet’s strategy for hiding his true intentions at court?
Hamlet pretends to be mad, using his feigned madness to conceal his true feelings and his plans for revenge.
Who does the court expect Hamlet to marry, and how does Hamlet treat her?
The court expects Hamlet to marry Ophelia. Despite once loving her, Hamlet rejects Ophelia, leading to her emotional distress.
How does Hamlet confirm Claudius’ guilt in the murder of his father?
Hamlet uses a play-within-a-play that mirrors the circumstances of his father’s murder to observe Claudius’ reaction. Claudius’ disturbed response confirms his guilt.
What happens when Hamlet visits his mother, Gertrude?
Hamlet criticizes his mother for marrying Claudius and, in a moment of confusion, kills Polonius, who is spying on them.
What is Claudius’ plan when he sends Hamlet to England?
Claudius plans to have Hamlet murdered during his journey to England.
What is Laertes’ reaction to Polonius’ death?
Laertes demands revenge for his father’s (Polonius’) death and later collaborates with Claudius in a plot to kill Hamlet.
What drives Ophelia to madness and death?
Ophelia is driven mad by grief after the death of her father, Polonius, and eventually drowns herself.
What happens during the fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes?
Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet with a poisoned sword during a fencing match. However, the two men exchange swords, and Laertes is killed by his own poisoned weapon.
How does Gertrude die?
Gertrude accidentally drinks wine from a poisoned cup that Claudius had prepared for Hamlet and dies.
How does Hamlet die?
Hamlet is wounded by a poisoned sword during the fencing match with Laertes and dies shortly after killing Claudius.
