Hamlet Flashcards
Who wrote Hamlet?
William Shakespeare
Who is Hamlet?
The Prince of Denmark, known for his intellect, wit, and deep internal conflict—he struggles to avenge his father’s murder.
Who is Claudius?
Hamlet’s uncle, the antagonist who murders King Hamlet to seize the throne and marry Gertrude.
Who is Gertrude?
Hamlet’s mother and Queen of Denmark—complex and controversial in her loyalty.
Who is Ophelia?
Polonius’s daughter and Hamlet’s love interest, who is caught in the political and emotional chaos, ultimately leading to her madness and death.
Who is Polonius?
The king’s advisor, a pompous and controlling father, killed by Hamlet while spying.
Who is Laertes?
Ophelia’s brother, who seeks revenge for his father’s and sister’s deaths.
Who is Horatio?
Hamlet’s loyal friend, who survives and tells Hamlet’s story.
Who is the Ghost?
The spirit of Hamlet’s father, who reveals the murder and demands vengeance.
What are the central themes of Hamlet?
Revenge, madness, appearance vs. reality, corruption and decay, indecision, mortality, and fate.
What is the basic plot of Hamlet?
Prince Hamlet seeks to avenge his father’s murder by his uncle Claudius while grappling with doubt, morality, and psychological conflict, leading to widespread tragedy.
What does Yorick’s skull symbolize?
The inevitability of death and the futility of life—’Alas, poor Yorick!’
What does the Ghost symbolize?
Unresolved justice, the supernatural, and the pressure of revenge.
What do mirrors and spying represent?
The theme of surveillance and deceit—nobody is ever truly safe or honest.
What does poison represent?
Corruption, both physical and moral—it kills the king and infects the kingdom.
‘To be or not to be: that is the question.’ – What does this mean?
Hamlet contemplates the value of life vs. the fear of the unknown in death—a philosophical moment of doubt.
‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.’ – Significance?
It sets the tone for political and moral corruption in the kingdom.
‘The play’s the thing / Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.’ – Meaning?
Hamlet uses a play to confirm Claudius’s guilt, showing his strategic mind.
‘Frailty, thy name is woman!’ – What does this say about Hamlet’s view of Gertrude?
It reflects Hamlet’s misogyny and bitterness about her quick remarriage.
What is the structure of Hamlet?
A five-act tragedy, driven by soliloquies that reveal Hamlet’s internal struggles and existential crises.
What’s the role of soliloquies in Hamlet?
They expose Hamlet’s psyche and help the audience understand his hesitation and moral questioning.
How is dramatic irony used in Hamlet?
The audience knows Claudius is guilty long before the characters do—this heightens tension.
What role does foreshadowing play?
The ghost, omens, and imagery of death all signal the inevitable tragic ending.
How is wordplay important in Hamlet?
Hamlet uses puns and double meanings to mask his thoughts and critique those around him.
