| What is ironic about Polonius’ attempt to learn about Laertes life in Paris? | if reynaldo follows his instruction he will ruin Laertes reputation by talking badly about him |
| Why would Polonius immediately jump to the conclusion that Hamlet is mad for Ophelia’s love? | her description of him isn’t abnormal for the time where most men would act in this way when in love |
| Consider how the episode of Hamlet in Ophelia’s closet promises to contribute to the overall calamity of the tragic plot. | ophelia has now allied herself with people Hamlet hates, her breaking up with him is another betrayal if he cares, if he doesn’t it furthers his madness thingy |
| What are some of the slang expressions and puns Hamlet uses in his first exchange with Polonius? Why are they significant? | fishmonger = lower class, “words, words, words” = shows annoyance, “Between who?” = hamlet knows he was asking about book but made it seem like he was talking about conflict between people, tells Polonius to leave |
| Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern willing spies for Claudius and Gertrude? | no, gertrude flatters them and claudius talks to them as friends to get them to do it |
| What is Hamlet’s initial reaction to the appearance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? | “tedious old fools” they are not as close to him as king and queen described |
| How does Hamlet’s famous “What a piece of work is a man!” passage depart from typical Renaissance humanism? | humans are believed to be the hierarchy of animals, Hamlet does not celebrate human’s godlike complex with “quintessence of dust” |
| Why does Shakespeare introduce a troupe of traveling players into action of the play? | players will be used by Hamlet to see Claudius/Gertrude’s reaction later on |
| What does Hamlet’s expression of concern about the child actors used in the city contribute to the plot or to the development of his character? | Shakespeare uses this to criticize acting profession |
| What is unusual about the player’s monologue about the Fall of Troy? | written from trojan point of view, son of Achilles is portrayed as heartless villain |
Hamlet Act 2
July 15, 2019