Hamlet Act 3, Scenes 1-4

In Act 3, Scene 1, after they have had some time to talk to Hamlet, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern say about his behavior? He acts strangely, but does not seem crazy.
What is the main idea of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” speech? Hamlet is thinking about killing himself.
Hamlet sees Ophelia just as he finishes the “to be or not to be” speech. How does he act when he firstsees her? He greets her pleasantly.
The tone of the conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia in Act 3, Scene 1 changes abruptly when Ophelia does what? Gives back the letters and gifts Hamlet gave her.
In Act 3, Scene 1, what does Hamlet tell Ophelia about his feelings for her? He says both that he loved her and did not love her.
After telling Ophelia to get to a nunnery, what does Hamlet say about marriage? We shall have no more marriage.
Hamlet makes an ominous statement about married people: “those that are married already, all but one, shall live.” What does that mean and who is he talking about? Everyone who is currently married will stay alive, except one person: Claudius.
After Hamlet yells at Ophelia to go to a nunnery, what does she say about him? She is sorry for him and for herself, because she thinks he is crazy.
What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Claudius that Hamlet is excited about in Act 3, Scene 1? Seeing the players perform.
After Claudius and Polonius watch Hamlet interact with Ophelia in Act 3, Scene 1, what does Claudius say about Hamlet’s behavior? He does not think Hamlet is crazy because of love for Ophelia.
After watching Hamlet and Ophelia together in Act 3, Scene 1, what does Claudius decide to do with Hamlet? Send him to England.
Polonius asks Claudius to arrange for Hamlet to go somewhere after the play’s performance. Where is Hamlet supposed to go? To see his mother.
Before the play is performed, Hamlet has a long conversation with the first player. What is he telling the player? Hamlet is coaching him on how to perform.
What does him I ask Horatio to do during the play’s performance? Watch Claudius and see if he reacts to the play.
Who asks Hamlet to sit nearby during the play? Who does Hamlet prefer to sit with? Gertrude wants Hamlet to sit by her, but he prefers Ophelia
Ophelia comes to watch the play. Before the play begins, how does Hamlet act towards her? He flirts with her and makes suggestive remarks.
When the play shows a king being poisoned, how does the current king, Claudius, react? He is bored and does not seem to care.
What is the first part of the players’ performance in Act 3, Scene 2? A dumb show, in which they do not speak.
During “The Mousetrap,” Gertrude says, “The lady protests too much, methinks.” What is she talking about? The player queen swearing her loyalty to her first husband.
After the play is performed, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern ask Hamlet to do? Go see his mother.
Why does Hamlet talk to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about a recorder? Hamlet says they want to play him like a recorder and get information out of him.
After the play is performed, what does Polonius ask Hamlet to do? Go see the queen.
When Claudius reacts to the play, what does Hamlet say in response? “What, frightened with false fire!”
What does hamlet mean when he says “I will speak daggers to her, but use none.” He will speak harshly and honestly to Gertrude, but will not hurt her.
After witnessing Hamlet’s behavior during the play, what does Claudius say about his condition? Hamlet is crazy and dangerous.
After the play, Claudius meets with Rosencrantz and Guildstern to discuss Hamlet’s condition. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more sympathetic to Claudius, Hamlet, or someone else? Claudius.
After Hamlet’s behavior during the play-within-a-play, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agreed to do with Hamlet? Take him to England right away.
After the play, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Claudius meet to discuss Hamlet. Polonius joins them. What does he tell Claudius? Hamlet is going to see his mother and Polonius will eavesdrop on their conversation.
Once left alone on stage in Act 3, Scene 3, what does Claudius express guilt about? Killing his brother
As Claudius speaks about his guilt and Act 3, Scene 3, what does he say about repenting? He cannot repent because he still has the crown and the queen- the two things he did the murder for.
Claudius says his crime “hath the primal eldest curse upon’t.” What does he mean? A brother’s murder is an especially bad crime.
Hamlet enters about halfway through Act 3, Scene 3. When he comes in, what is Claudius doing? Praying
On his way to see his mother in Act 3, Scene 3, Hamlet finds Claudius. What does Hamlet decide not to do in that scene? Kill him
Hamlet says of Claudius: “He took my father grossly, full of bread; With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May.” What does Hamlet mean by that? Claudius killed Hamlet’a father before Hamlet’s father could repent his sins
What specific thing does Hamlet determine Claudius must do before Hamlet can murder him? Commit a sin so Hamlet can send his soul to hell
What does Claudius say in Act 3, Scene 3 about his own thoughts and words? He says the right words, but they do not reach heaven because his thoughts are on earth
What does Polonius tell Gertrude to do in Act 3, Scene 4 regarding Hamlet? Be stern with Hamlet about his behavior
When Hamlet and his mother finally talk in Gertrude’s room, she says, “Hamlet, Thou hast thy father much offended.” Hamlet responds, “Mother, you have my father much offended.” Why is that dialogue important? Gertrude is talking about Claudius, but Hamlet is talking about the dead king.
Hamlet’s mother tries to leave the room during their conversation in Act 3, Scene 4, but Hamlet stops her and says she cannot leave until he does what? Forces her too face what she has done
Who does Hamlet kill in his mother’s room? Polonius
When Hamlet visit his mother in her room and Act 3, Scene 4, he speaks very harshly to his mother. What makes him stop? The ghost appears
When Hamlet leaves his mother’s room in Act 3, Scene 4, what does he take with him? The dead body of Polonius