Hamlet

Response questions for Acts I & II

Act 1 

1. What atmosphere is established by scene 1's constant references to the ghost and the impending war? 

2. Why does the play begin with a question, �Who�s there�? What do Francisco, Marcellus, Barnardo tell Horatio and the audience about the ghost? 

3. Why is Hamlet in black when he first appears on stage? What does he have �within� that �passes show�?� How does Hamlet describe his uncle in comparison with his father? How does he describe the relationship of Claudius and Gertrude? Is his view biased?�

4. Why does the world look �weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable� to Hamlet?� Is his attitude youthful rebellion, or a deeper wisdom?

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Act 2 

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1. Why does Polonius send Reynaldo after Laertes? Why do parents spy in this play?

2. How does Polonius explain Hamlet�s madness?� Are Claudius and Gertrude persuaded?

3. Why does Claudius send Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to Hamlet? What does Hamlet tell them about his apparent madness?� Can we believe him?

4. Why is Hamlet so moved by Hecuba�s story given by a traveling player? How does Hamlet describe himself as a revenger in the soliloquy at the end of scene 2? 

5. Why and how does Hamlet plan to �catch the conscience of the King�?

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