HONORS PS1500 - Physics in the Plays of Tom Stoppard
Hamlet Act 2 & Act 3, Scenes 1, 2 --- Questions for
Discussion
Act 2, Scene 1 --- Summary
Lines 85 to 98: Why does Hamlet behave this way with Ophelia?
Act 2, Scene 2, lines 1 to 165 --- Summary
Lines 33 and 34: What might these lines imply about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
Lines 56, 57: What does Gertrude believe to be the cause of Hamlet's behavior?
Act 2, Scene 2, lines 166 to 384 --- Summary
Describe Hamlet's behavior with Polonius, and compare it with Hamlet’s behavior with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Act 2, Scene 2, lines 385 to 558 --- Summary
Line 502: Why does Hamlet exclaim, "O what a rogue and peasant slave am I!"
Lines 551 to 558: Why is it important to Hamlet that he "catch the conscience of the king?"
Act 3, Scene 1 --- Summary
Lines 56 to 89: In his "To be, or not to be" soliloquy, what does Hamlet blame for his delay in avenging his father's murder? When does he first become aware of Ophelia’s presence?
Line 119: Why does Hamlet tell Ophelia to "Get thee to a nunnery?"
Act 3, Scene 2 --- Summary
Describe Hamlet's treatment of Ophelia during the play. Why does Hamlet say what he does to Ophelia?.
What does The Murder of Gonzago accomplish for Hamlet?
1. Act 2, Scene 1, lines 72 — 108 (Four parts: Polonius, Ophelia, and two mimes to show the actions described)
Starts with Polonius: How now Ophelia, what’s the matter?
Ends with Polonius: That hath made him mad.
2. Act 2, Scene 2, lines 215 — 297, 339 — 348 (Three parts: Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern)
Starts with Guildenstern: My honoured Lord!
Ends with Rosencrantz: We coted them on the way, and hither are they coming to offer you service.
Starts with Guildenstern: There are the players.
Ends with Hamlet: When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw.
3. Act 3, Scene 2, the dumb-show after line 120 (Five parts: King, Queen, Poisoner, two mutes)
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Last modified: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 07:27 PM