HONORS PS1500 - Physics in the Plays of Tom Stoppard

Hamlet Act 1, Scene 1 through Act 3, Scene 1 --- Questions for Discussion

• Act 1, Scene 1 --- Summary

How do the opening lines set the mood of the play?

What do we learn about Horatio?

• Act 1, Scene 2 --- Summary

Compare the characters of Claudius and Hamlet. Why might Claudius have been chosen as king over Hamlet? (The King of Denmark is elected to the throne by the nobility from members of the royal family.)

• Act 1, Scene 3 --- Summary

Compare the relationship of Polonius and his children Laertes and Ophilia.

Characterize Ophelia's responses to her brother (lines 45 - 51 and lines 85, 86).

• Act 1, Scene 4 --- Summary

What is the overall mood of this scene? Describe the different possibilities for the ghost's identity as discussed by Hamlet and Horatio.

• Act 1, Scene 5 --- Summary

How does the ghost describe himself and his fate?

What does the ghost tell Hamlet, and command him to do? How does Hamlet react to the ghost's speech?  Is Hamlet surprised to learn who murdered his father?

How will Hamlet accept his task of revenge (with enthusiasm? caution? indifference?)

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy" (lines 166, 167). Are there still more things than are dreamt of in today’s philosophy? Will this always be true?

• 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?"
  
  Lines 126, 127:  Does Ophelia betray Hamlet?  Is Hamlet aware of Ophelia's lie?    

 

Acting Assignments for Hamlet

 

1. Act 1, Scene 5, lines 1 — 91 (Two parts: Hamlet and Ghost)

Starts with Hamlet: Wither will thou lead me?

Ends with Ghost: Adieu, adieu, adieu. Remember me.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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Last modified:  Monday, January 03, 2011 09:54 PM