| What is the setting of the play? | Elsinore, Denmark |
| why have Marcellus and Barnardo asked Horatio to come on watch with them? | Horatio doesn’t believe they’ve seen a ghost. They want to prove to Horatio that it’s real |
| whom does the ghost look like? | The ghost looks like Hamlet’s father |
| what happens when the men attempt to question the ghost? | It disappears |
| why is the kingdom currently at war? | king Hamlet took Norway’s land. young Fortinbras has raised am army to get their family’s land back |
| who is the new king of Denmark? who is his queen? | the new king of Denmark is Claudius, his queen is Gertrude |
| where does Claudius send Cornelius and Voltemand? To do what? | he sends them to Norway to deliver a letter to the king of Norway |
| what favor does Laertes ask of the king? | he wants to go back to France. the king doesn’t really care where he goes |
| how does the king respond to Hamlet’s grief over his father’s death? | Claudius tells Hamlet that it’s time to stop grieving and accept his new father. He tells Hamlet that his grief is unmanly |
| what is really bothering Hamlet? | – his genuine grief at the loss of his father- his resentment for his mother’s behaviour marrying Claudius- his disappointment at not becoming king |
| what advice does Polonius give to his son, Laertes, before he leaves for France? List at least 3 things he suggests. | 1. don’t say what your thinking, don’t be too quick to act on what you think2. be friendly but don’t overdo it3. once you’ve tested your friends and found them trustworthy, hold onto them4. don’t waste time shaking hands with every new guy you meet5. don’t be quick to pick fight, but once your in one, hold your own6. listen to many people, but talk to few. hear everyone’s opinion, but reserve your judgemnet7. spend all you can afford on clothes – quality over flashy8. don’t borrow money and don’t lend it9. be true to yourself |
| what does Polonius warn Ophelia against? | she should be careful and preserve her virtue in her dealing with Hamlet and should not believe all that he tells her |
Hamlet: Act 1 Scenes 1-3
July 8, 2019