HONORS PS1500 - Physics in the Plays of Tom Stoppard
Hamlet Act 1 and Act 2, 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 characteristics of Claudius and Hamlet. Why might
Claudius have been chosen as king over Hamlet? (The King of Denmark was elected
to the throne by the nobility from members of the royal family.)
● Act 1, Scene 3 Summary
Describe the relationship of Polonius with his children
Laertes and Ophilia.
Describe the tone of Ophelia's responses to her brother
(lines 49 55 and lines 92, 93).
● 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 187, 188). Are there still more things
than are dreamt of in todays philosophy? Will this always be true?
● Act 2, Scene 1 Summary
Lines 87 to 94: Why does Hamlet behave this way with Ophelia?
Acting Assignments for Hamlet
1. Act 1, Scene 5, lines 1 98 (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 84 123 (Four parts: Polonius, Ophelia, and two mimes
to show the actions described)
Starts with Polonius: How now Ophelia, whats the matter?
Ends with Polonius: That hath made him mad.
Return to Honors PS1500 home page
Last modified: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 10:29 PM