Hamlet Quiz Flashcards
Examples of the diseased body/unweeded garden
-garden of eden when claudius kills polonius and he represents the snake
-corrupted body: hasty remarraige and claudius covering up his crimes
-killing king=killing god’s assistant
-denmark being corrupted state when ghost appears
How is the conflict introduced in Hamlet?
Through the appearance of Old Hamlet’s ghost -> the question of whether its a credible ghost or not, is it evil or good
What awakens Hamlet’s desire to see his father again
The news of his ghost, his vulnerability is shown because he feels this before Horatio reveals its about his father
Why does Laertes warn Ophelia?
He wants her to protect her virginity and reputation and she says that there are double standards
-contrast and motif to a rotten garden
What does Hamlet believe about his mother (in terms of marriage?)
That she wanted to marry Claudius before his father died and guilty of adultery.
Why does Polonius think Hamlet has gone mad?
Ophelia tells polonius about Hamlet’s behaviour to her father and that she is frightened by his madness. He believes that he is like this because Ophelia rejected his love.
What did the ambassadors of Norway report to Claudius?
That he demanded his nephew did not attack Denmark and rather Poland, so he gave him funds and soldiers and is just asking for permission to safely pass through Denmark.
What did Polonius suggest to Claudius?
He shows Hamlet’s love letters to the court and suggests that he and Claudius spy on Ophelia and Hamlet to see his reaction and judge if he is really mad from being lovesick.
When Polonius speaks to Hamlet to check his madness, what does Hamlet imply?
Hamlet is pretending to be mad through the use of riddles, puns and allusions and he is implying that Ophelia is not a virgin and that Polonius is using her. Polonius is slow witted so he does not understand everything but he is aware that there is meaning to his actions.
What does Hamlet say to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
He knows that they have been sent by the King and Queen and they admit it. Hamlet talks to them in riddles, puns, and allusions and they slightly understand.
What scenes does Hamlet incorporate into the player’s play?
- Mother hastily remarrying
- Pouring poison into ear
- Killer confessing his crime
In his act 2 soliloquy, what does Hamlet express
Contrasts his inaction against the player’s action and ability to express grief
What did Polonius suggest to Claudius?
He shows Hamlet’s love letters to the court and suggests That he and Claudius spy on Ophelia and Hamlet to see his reaction and judge if he is really mad from being lovesick.
In his act 3 soliloquy, what does Hamlet express
His call for action but inability to do anything
What is the analogy of an undiscovered country used for? and how is personification used to show his torment?
To represent the mystery of death and enhance his fears of dying
“slings and arrows of misfortune” showing that he is trapped in a dilemma with no easy solution
What makes Claudius doubt Polonius’ suspicions?
When he tells Ophelia to get to a nunnery implying that it may just be a love quarrel and he is more focused on revenge
-also when he says all that are married may live but one
What does Claudius admit in his solioquy?
-he admits to murder
-desires forgiveness for his sins
-doesn’t want to give up what he has
Why does Hamlet compare pictures to gertrude?
To enhance the adultery and betrayal he feels
What makes Gertrude think Hamlet is actually mad
When he sees the ghost
What do the riddles Hamlet say to R and G about Polonius’ body mean?
They develop his existential thoughts about his thoughts about what happens after death and cycle of life
-believes all life comes from same source
What causes Hamlet to finally take action?
Seeing how Fortinbras takes immediate action and risks lives and money for land.
Why is Claudius scared of Laertes?
Because Denmark is a elective monarchy and he can be taken over since he was never granted King
How does Shakespeare use Laertes to contrast his actions?
Laertes is willing to kill immediately and does not care about salvation
How does Yorick’s skull develop theme of existentialism?
He is shocked at the disrespect it receives and reflects on the decay of the body and the power of nature over power and position
-all humans eventually die
How does the scene with the gravediggers joking about their profession reflect Hamlet?
Reflects their joking of the theme of mystery of death with Hamlet’s intense contemplation of it.
How does Hamlet foreshadow Laertes and his own death in the graveyard scene?
He says that if he really loves her, die with her and he will as well.
Who is the equivalent to Polonius in terms of behaviour
Osric, both convultated in speech
How does Horatio contrast Hamlet?
He is rational about the duel and believes that Claudius and Laertes is planning something, but Hamlet just goes in hastily and impulsively
-but hamlet just accepts his fate and will no longer run from actions
What does Hamlet say before the duel to Laertes?
That he killed Polonius due to his madness revealing that he still had control over his mind.
What implied Hamlet was still sane in the final act?
He confessed to Laertes why he killed Polonius
What does the analogy of a sponge mean when Hamlet calls Rosencrantz and Guildenstern one?
He uses an analogy of a sponge to show that they work for him and don’t care about Hamlet.
What reaffirms Claudius’s desire to send Hamlet to England?
When gertrude tells him he’s acting mad
Why does Hamlet call Polonius a worm?
Because at the end of the day, all men get eaten by worms and he is currently at “supper”
