Hamlet Act II Flashcards
What are the two parts of Act II, Scene i in Hamlet?
The first part is Polonius’s conversation with Reynaldo about Laertes; the second is Polonius’s conversation with Ophelia about Hamlet.
What does Act II, Scene i reveal about Polonius’s character?
It develops Polonius as either a doddering fool or a cunning manipulator; in this scene, he appears more manipulative as he instructs Reynaldo on spying.
What comic aspect of Polonius is shown while he speaks to Reynaldo?
His love of hearing himself talk leads to misphrasings like, “And then, sir, does a this — a does — / what was I about to say?” (II.i.49–51).
What theme is developed through Polonius’s instructions to Reynaldo?
The theme that words can be used to manipulate or distort the truth.
How does Polonius advise Reynaldo to investigate Laertes?
He teaches him to ask leading, seemingly inoffensive questions that will elicit information indirectly
What connection is drawn between Claudius and Polonius in this scene?
Like Claudius, Polonius uses language as a tool to influence and manipulate others.
What symbolic motif is emphasized with Polonius and Claudius’s use of speech?
The motif of ears and hearing—symbolizing how words can “poison” perception.
What is the ghost’s quote that supports the motif of poisoned ears?
“The whole ear of Denmark” has been poisoned by Claudius’s lies (I.v.36).
What does Ophelia reveal in her conversation with Polonius?
That Hamlet has been acting mad since his encounter with the ghost.
What might Hamlet’s emotional reaction to Ophelia suggest?
It could be part of his plan to feign madness or genuine distress from being rejected by her.
How does Ophelia’s reaction to her father’s orders define her character?
She appears obedient and dependent, breaking off her relationship with Hamlet as told.
How does the scene connect to the theme of misogyny?
Hamlet’s disillusionment with his mother’s marriage may contribute to his negative view of women, affecting his behavior with Ophelia.
What theory does Polonius develop after talking to Ophelia?
That Hamlet is mad from lovesickness for Ophelia.
Why is Polonius’s theory about Hamlet’s madness important to the plot?
It’s overly simplistic but drives key plot developments, including spying on Hamlet and the confrontation with Ophelia.
Why do Claudius and Gertrude summon Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to Elsinore?
They are worried about Hamlet’s erratic behavior and inability to recover from his father’s death. They hope his friends can cheer him up or discover the cause of his melancholy.
What news do Voltimand and Cornelius bring from Norway?
The king of Norway stopped Fortinbras from attacking Denmark, gave him an annuity, and redirected him to fight the Poles. They request Denmark to allow safe passage through their land.
What theory does Polonius propose to explain Hamlet’s madness?
He believes Hamlet is mad with love for Ophelia and offers to test this by staging a meeting between them while Claudius and Gertrude spy.
How does Hamlet behave during his conversation with Polonius?
He acts mad, calls Polonius a “fishmonger,” and gives absurd replies, though they often contain sharp, hidden truths about Polonius’s arrogance and age.
What is revealed in Hamlet’s conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
Hamlet quickly realizes they were sent by the king and queen. He tells them he has lost joy in life and finds everything sterile and meaningless.
How does Hamlet react to the arrival of the players?
He is pleased and requests a speech about Priam and Hecuba. He’s impressed by the emotion the player can summon over fictional events.
What does Hamlet plan after watching the player’s speech?
He decides to stage The Murder of Gonzago, adding lines to mimic his father’s murder, to observe Claudius’s reaction and confirm his guilt: “The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.”
What does Hamlet’s soliloquy at the end of the scene reveal about him?
He berates himself for inaction despite strong motives and contrasts himself with the passionate actor. It reveals his deep frustration and desire for certainty before acting.
What does Hamlet mean when he says “I am but mad north-north-west”?
He implies his madness is strategic—he only acts mad at certain times and is otherwise aware and rational.
What thematic contrast is introduced through the report on Fortinbras?
Fortinbras, like Hamlet, is a prince with a dead father and an uncle on the throne. But unlike Hamlet, he acts decisively. This contrast highlights Hamlet’s indecision.
How does Claudius’s response to Fortinbras reflect on his character?
Claudius is more concerned about internal threats (Hamlet) than the foreign army crossing his land, suggesting he’s a cautious politician, unlike warrior King Hamlet.
What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern symbolize in the play?
They represent manipulated, fearful figures who are interchangeable and ineffective. Their questioning of Hamlet parodies rational dialogue but leads nowhere.
What theme is reinforced by the arrival of the players?
The theme of reality vs. performance. Hamlet is struck by the players’ emotional response to fiction, while he himself is paralyzed by uncertainty in real life.
How does Hamlet’s plan to “trap” Claudius raise doubts?
His hope that Claudius will reveal guilt through a play is flawed; emotional response to art isn’t necessarily truthful. It shows Hamlet’s reliance on indirect methods.
“Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth.”
Polonius to Reynaldo
Context: Polonius instructs Reynaldo to spy on Laertes in Paris by spreading small lies to catch the truth.
Significance: Shows Polonius’s manipulative nature; introduces theme of spying and deception.
Tool: Metaphor
Explanation: Polonius compares lies (bait) to the truth (carp), suggesting that deception leads to revealing the truth, like catching a fish.
“By indirections find directions out.”
Polonius to Reynaldo
Context: Justifies tricking others to get information.
Significance: Reinforces the motif of manipulation and indirect tactics in the Danish court.
Tool: Paradox
Explanation: The idea of finding truth by indirect methods is paradoxical—suggesting that deception can lead to clarity.
“He falls to such perusal of my face… / He raised a sigh so piteous and profound…”
Ophelia to Polonius (describing Hamlet)
Context: Describing Hamlet’s strange behavior when he sees her.
Significance: Begins the “madness” plotline; creates ambiguity about whether Hamlet’s madness is real or feigned.
Tool: Imagery
Explanation: Ophelia vividly describes Hamlet’s behavior, creating a mental image of his emotional turmoil.
“More matter with less art.”
Gertrude to Polonius
Context: Polonius rambles about Hamlet’s madness.
Significance: Gertrude wants the truth, not embellishment. The quote critiques courtly overcomplication.
