Essay Questions For Hamlet

Hamlet, By William Shakespeare
In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the character Hamlet must deal with both external and
internal conflict. Hamlet encounters many struggles and has trouble finding a way to deal with
them. With so many corrupt people in his life, Hamlet feels as if there is no one that he can trust
and begins to isolate himself from others. A result from this isolation leadsHamlet to become
melancholy. Hamlet struggles with suicidal thoughts, wants to kill King Claudius, and is distraught
over his mother's hasty marriage with his uncle Claudius. Hamlets contemplation of ending his life
shows an inward conflict within himself. In his first soliloquy, he debates whether he should commit
suicide. "To be, or not to be– / that is the question: / whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer/ the
slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, / or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing,
end them" (3.1. lines 64–68 Shakespeare). He questions why he should live with all of this chaos but
overcomes this internal conflict because he acknowledges that in his religion suicide is a sin. "O,
that this too, too sullied flesh would melt, / Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew, / or that the
everlasting had not fixed His canon 'gainst (self–slaughter). O God! God!" (1.2. lines 133–136
Shakespeare). This soliloquy signifies the reality of Hamlet s internal conflict and also shows the
reality of his external conflict with the society he is surrounded by. This declamation establishes
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How Hamlet Changes
People often change, for better or for worse, due to the events that occur during their life. These
events can traumatize someone, or even drive them to insanity. Hamlet changes drastically from the
time of his first soliloquy to his second, becoming a man of action rather than a man of
contemplation.
During Hamlet's first soliloquy he wonders what the point of living is in such a cruel world. "To be,
or not to be? That is the question– Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer." Hamlet is unsure of
whether the life he is living, or if any life at all, is even worth living. He contemplates whether it
is better to die and move on to the afterlife, whatever that may hold for him, or live on and suffer
through his everyday life. "To die, to sleep. To sleep, perchance to dream–ay, there's the rub, for in
that sleep of death what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil." He ponders
as to why any person would want to bear the burden of existing in the mortal world rather than dying.
On the other hand he understands...show more content...
"How all occasions do inform against me, and spur my dull revenge!" The events occurring
around him are pushing him to act upon his vengefulness. Many chances arose for Hamlet to
carry out his revenge, yet he continued to remain idle and think. "I do not know why yet I live to
say "This thing's to do," sith I have cause and will and strength and means to do 't." Hamlet is
angry with himself for acting in such a cowardly manner rather than acting as soon as he had the
chance to do so. This is a major turning point in the play where Hamlet finds the resolution he has
been looking for. "Oh, from this time forth, my thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" Hamlet
decides to keep revenge in his mind as an end goal instead of wondering how it will affect him later
in life and in the

Essay The Central Question of Hamlet
The Central Question of Hamlet
Hamlet's tragedy is a tragedy of failure–the failure of a man placed in critical circumstances to deal
successfully with those circumstances. In some ways, Hamlet reminds us of Brutus in Shakespeare's
"Julius Caesar." Hamlet and Brutus are both good men who live in trying times; both are intellectual,
even philosophical; both men want to do the right thing; both men intellectualize over what the right
thing is; neither man yields to passion. But here the comparison ends, for though both Brutus and
Hamlet reflect at length over the need to act, Brutus is able immediately to act while Hamlet is not.
Hamlet is stuck "thinking too precisely on th' event–".
Hamlet's father, the king of Denmark, has...show more content...
(Act 5, scene 2 . . . to Horatio)
Yet hedelays. It is this delay in performing the act he has sworn to accomplish which leads to
Hamlet's death. The poison on the tip of Laertes' sword is but a metaphor for the poison of
procrastination which has been coursing through Hamlet's system throughout the play.
Hamlet's thoughts focus upon death rather than upon action. His words show an intense longing for
death:
O that this too too solid flesh would melt
Thaw and resolve itself into a dew,
Or that the everlasting had not fixed
His canon 'gainst self–slaughter.
(Act I, scene 2)
In Act 3, Scene 1 Hamlet restates this theme:
To be, or not to be, that is the question–
The answer eludes Hamlet throughout the play, perhaps because it is the wrong question. Hamlet
is alive and to be alive means 'to do,' not merely to be. It is his inability to 'do,' his tendency to
reflect rather than to act which poisons Hamlet's resolve and causes his tragic death.
If the central question of the play is Why doesn't Hamlet kill Claudius immediately upon hearing the
ghost's accusation? the easiest answer is that if Hamlet had done so, the play would have ended in
Act I. And then "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" would be a tragedy of plot management.
In his 1904 work "Shakespearean Tragedy,"* A. C. Bradley describes "Hamlet" as a play which
includes eight violent deaths, adultery, a ghost, a mad woman, and a fight in a grave. Here are

Hamlet Questions and answers Essay
Hamlet
ACT 1, Scene 1 and 2 Questions
1.1
1. What happens when Francisco and Bernardo meet at the beginning of 1.1? Where are we, and
when? Why is there confusion over which one is supposed to challenge the other by asking "Who's
there"? Why is Horatio with Bernardo and Marcellus? Who is he?
They saw something strange, we are at Denmark. He is asking "who's there?" It is because he's
not sure what is there by judging the shadow he saw and it is at night causing the visibility
becomes very low as well. Horatio was with Bernardo and Marcellus because they have both seen
the ghost of King Hamlet, and Horatio has come to help them determine the origin of the ghost.
2. What is Horatio's initial response to the story of...show more content...
Marcellus believes that the ghost left because they had angered it when they attempted to force the
ghost to speak using violence, but Horatio notes that it was the roster crowing that stopped the ghost
from speaking and then leaving.
5. What is the purpose of the two discussions of the crowing of the cock, Horatio's pagan one and
Marcellus' Christian one (1.1.130 – 164)?
Horatio tells the others that the rosters crowing awaken a god of daylight and any ghosts who are
wandering on the earth are forced to hide until night comes. On the other had Marcellus states that
daytime is similar to Christs' Resurrection, and that no evil thing can roam the Earth during the
sacred and hallowed time. These two different discussions regarding the rooster crowing are
symbolic of the overall confusion and determination of the ghost' purpose there. Prince Hamlet later
questions if the ghost is something of evil origins there to tempt him into committing sins, or if the
ghost is merely trying to help and warn him, and is a victim of the the daylight gods' reign.
1.2
1. What is the threat from young Fortinbras? (ll. 17–41)? How is Claudius responding to the threat?
(You may also want to keep in mind that the name "Claudius" appears only in the opening stage
direction for 1.2. The name is never spoken in the play. He is simply "the King.")
Throughout his speech, Claudius is telling the court of the

Hamlet Compare And Contrast Essay
Compare and Contrast Essay Boxes are common inanimate objects that are found in most
households. They are used to store objects that are unwanted or to hold gifts for loved ones. The
theme of love in Hamlet on the other hand is an intense emotion that can not be found in every
relationship. So with all of their differences what makes them alike? Imagine that someone is
unpacking boxes and helping a friend move into their new place. They have just completed
unwrapping all of the dishes and glassware, but failed to see the newspaper that floated past the
trash can and onto the floor behind them. They step backwards and slip on the sheet of newspaper
and fall into a box. The box rips, and they land flat on their back. There is an audible gasp...show
more content...
Even though boxes have multiple uses, according to the article Boxes – Their Importance and Uses
:"Boxes are commonly used as storage." (The Green Book, 2012). Boxes are made to contain
things, so it would be expected that they would be strong and not easily broken. In some instances
the box may become fragile or worn out after being used multiple times. The same applies to the love
shown in hamlet. When people first fall in love the emotion is strong and the relationship can last
for what feels like forever as shown through Gertrude and King Hamlet's love. This is due to how
the "reward system is stimulated through very simple means," so the smallest of touches or "even
just thinking about" them can cause an "increase [in] elevated mood" (Fisher 2013). After time
passes the butterflies and intensity of emotions dies down and there needs to be more effort put
into the relationship to keep it going. This can cause break ups because of how little effort is put
into showing the other person that love still exists in the relationship. The longer a relationship
lasts the more fragile the connection and love between them gets, so if one person is not giving as
much effort as the other because they believe that the other person should do all of the work then
the relationship may fail. Through time and use both boxes and love can become so fragile that
they may not be able to be

The Significance of "Who's There?"
A Question of Identity
Throughout Shakespeare's Hamlet, the theme of deception and appearance versus reality becomes
increasingly apparent. The complex characters featured in the play resolve to secretive which leads
to a question of everyone's identity. Yet, one does not even need to read the play to discover it's
essential themes. The first line of the play, "Who's there?" (Hamlet 1. 1. 1) is not merely a question
spoken by a guard who cannot see, rather it has a much deeper meaning as a foreshadowing of the
play, where the characters are time and again faced with the question – who is this person really, who
is really there. The simple introductory statement of 'Who's there?' is not just a...show more content...
As the play progresses and the characters develop, the question of 'who's there' in the sense of who
is this person really, are they kind or cruel, innocent of guilty? The most obvious choice for the
question of character is in Claudius. Is he the kind king he makes himself out to be or a murderous
manipulator. The initial question of his character is during the wedding of Gertrude and he, where he
states, "With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage," (I. II. 12). He essentially is pronouncing
King Hamlet's funeral as joyous and his own wedding as mournful. The question that now presents
itself to the audience is whether this is a simple mix–up on Claudius's part or a verbal projection of
his inner thoughts and feelings towards both occasions. The uncertainty of Claudius's stance on the
matters is later enlightened upon and pursued by Hamlet after his conversation between him and the
ghost of King Hamlet. The old king recalls the true story of his death – demise by poison at the hand
of Claudius in an effort to claim the throne. "The serpent that did sting thy father's life/Now wears
his crown." (I. V. 38–39). The validity of this statement is put into inquiry by Hamlet, leading to his
use of a court play by a traveling actor's troop as a platform to perform a reenactment of the King
Hamlet's death in order to see the reaction of Claudius. "The play's

Hamlet's First Soliloquy
Annotations:
W.I. 1–50, 769–789
Roberts 1834–1898
Writing:
Topic: ANALYSIS OF HOW HAMLET ACT III SOLILOQUY TIES ACT I AND II
SOLILOQUIES TOGETHER
Thesis: The prince's famous "to be or not to be" soliloquy is the speech which brings to completion
his two former speeches of Acts One and Two, through his anger, passion, and ultimately, his grief.
POV 1: Initially, the audience is introduced to Hamlet's anger with both his mother and her new
found husband – his uncle.
POV 2: In his Act Twosoliloquy, Hamlet is forced to come to terms with the fact that his uncle
murdered his father, bringing the drama of the play to an entirely new level.
POV 3: In his final soliloquy, Hamlet brings to completion his thoughts, questioning whether his
struggle...show more content...
It also demonstrates Hamlet's consideration on the matter of what he should do when he
discovers his uncle's sin. He becomes cunning, saying, "For murder, though it have no tongue, I'll
speak with most miraculous organ." (Shakespeare) At this point in time, he acknowledges that he
must be clever and imaginative in order to overcome his adversary, and that the proof of his
crimes will be difficult to unveil. As said by Silva, "The idea crystallized. He would get the
players to perform something like the murder of his father in front of his uncle. He would watch
his uncle's reactions. He would probe his very thoughts. If his uncle so much as flinched he
would know what to do. The ghost may have been the devil for all he knew, and the devil had the
power to take on a pleasing shape." (Silva) It is also at this point that many characters, including
Polonius, Ophelia, and Hamlet's own parents, begin to question whether Hamlet is sane at all.
However, this will not be fully explored until shortly after Hamlet's soliloquy of Act Three.
However, many have made their different claims about Hamlet's "madness". For example, Deighton
says, "Hamlet's declared intention of assuming 'an antic disposition,' his assurance to his mother that
he is only "mad in craft," the test he proposes in proof of his assertion, may all

Discussion Questions: Hamlet
Which of the following best describes the conflict in this soliloquy by Hamlet?
An internal conflict about whether it is better to live or to die
An internal conflict about whether to murder his step father or not
A conflict with his mother marrying his uncle
A conflict with his priest about his wavering faith
A conflict with Ophelia about whether or not she truly loves him
What character traits of Hamlet are revealed through Shakespeare's use of descriptive imagery in
this soliloquy?
Hamlet reveals that he is depressed and lonely
Hamlet reveals that he is angry and hateful
Hamlet reveals that he is confused and indecisive
Hamlet reveals that he is optimistic and hopeful
Hamlet reveals that he is assured and confident
Which of the following is a function of this section from Hamlet?...show more content...
To accept his situation
To be angry at his situation
To use a weapon to inflict his suffering on others
To to end his suffering in life by committing suicide
To help others overcome their unfortunate situations
The phrase "the rub" most likely means which of the following to Hamlet?
The physical pain that Hamlet has endured
The problem with not knowing what happens after death
A solution to the problems that are bothering Hamlet
The act of suicide that Hamlet is considering
A distraction from Hamlet's problems
The phrase "when we have shuffled off this mortal coil" most likely refers to which of the following?
A deep sleep
A hallucination of his father
The moment of death
The afterlife
Nightmares
What rhetorical device is used in the lines quoted below?:
Alliteration
Rhetorical question

Syntax

Hamlet Soliloquy Analysis Essay
Hamlet, the main character of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, is one of the most complex
characters ever created. His intricacy can be seen in the amount of soliloquies he speaks throughout
the play. Each one of Hamlet's soliloquies reveals his innermost thoughts and gives the reader or
audience insight as to what he is feeling at that time. Hamlet's quartet of soliloquies illustrates how
Hamlet is initially indecisive, but eventually makes a decision to take revenge against his uncle.
In Hamlet's first soliloquy he shows that he is angry with his mother and upset over his father's death.
Hamlet, however, does not think about taking revenge against his uncle for marrying his mother,
instead he is just furious at his mother for being...show more content...
In this soliloquy he is mad at himself for waiting so long to take action to avenge his father's death.
Throughout this speech Hamlet is expressing self–hatred and scorn. In his self rage he says, "I am
pigeon livered and lack gall". Hamlet also compares himself to the actor who was able to become so
emotional about something insignificant and wonders why he does not have that kind of passion
about something as important as his father's death. By the end of the soliloquy Hamlet has
developed a plan to begin taking action against his uncle, Claudius.
By Hamlet's third soliloquy he still has not taken action to avenge his father's death and hates
everyone around him, including himself. He begins his soliloquy with the famous line "To be,
or not to be?" With this line Hamlet is asking whether is it better to be alive or to be dead. In this
soliloquy Hamlet contemplates suicide and discusses the trials of life. He wishes not to have to
deal with the hardships of life, but realizes that he is not brave enough to take his own life. Not
only is he, like most humans, afraid of the unknown, but he is also afraid of committing a sin and
damning his soul. At the end of his third soliloquy Hamlet has yet to do as his father's ghost told him
and Hamlet is still angry with himself for being such a coward.
Hamlet's final soliloquy is invoked by a conversation he has with the captain of Fortinbras' army.
Hamlet realizes that other people are willing to fight

Strengths And Weaknesses Of Hamlet
In Shakespeare's Hamlet, there is a constant question of whether Hamlet is truly mad, or if it is all a
ploy to avenge the death of his father. While looking at Hamlet's behaviour, one notices that it is
neither madness, nor a ploy, but rather an addiction to obsessions. These fascinations, whether
shown towards his mother and his persona, perfection, or death, destroy Hamlet as he continuously
craves for resolutions that are out of his reach. These obsessions play against Hamlet, as his
strengths ultimately become his demise, whether these strengths be through Hamlet's ability to dive
deep philosophically or his ability to question morality. Shakespeare's Hamlet is not mad, nor does
he use madness as a ploy, rather Hamlet is a tragic hero who allows his tragic flaw of obsessiveness
towards different aspects to work against him. Hamlet's obsession with himself and his mother's
persona leads to his demise as it not only makes Hamlet unstable, but it also burns a vital bridge with
his mother. His instability sprouts from his constant questioning of his character, and if he truly is a
coward, villain, or vengeful hero, in regards to killing Claudius. Through Hamlet's soliloquies, he
constantly refers to his character stating, "Am I coward" (Shakespeare 2.2.598), or "How stand I,
then, that have a father killed, a mother stained," (4.4.59–60). These questionings show his
indecisive ability to decide what he wants, and it is within this instability to decide his character that
leads to his demise. Hamlet spends most of his time pondering upon his character than acting upon
it! Furthermore, Hamlet's addiction with persona not only reaches to him, but his mother as well.
Hamlet's obsession with his mother's life, specifically her sexual life, breathes uncanny as it shows
Hamlet's demented passion with his mother's persona. Hamlet goes as far as making his mother
"have no life to breathe" (3.4.220) just to try and shape her character. This proves detrimental as
Hamlet cuts off one of the few people that truly love him. Subsequently, Hamlet's fascination with
perfection proves to be detrimental as it causes Hamlet to always pursue for a better opportunity,
leading him to never take action. Throughout the play,

Questions On Hamlet And Hamlet
4.1
1. Does Gertrude tell Claudius the truth about what happened between her and Hamlet? Is she
following Hamlet's advice at the end of 3.4? Why do you think this is? Gertrude does not tell
Claudius the truth about what happened between her and Hamlet. This shows that Gertrude is
following Hamlet's advice because she is choosing to remain silent on what Hamlet told her.
Furthermore, Gertrude only reveals that Hamlet killed Polonius and not what Hamlet had advised
her to do, which was to stay away from Claudius. Gertrude might be trying to follow Hamlet's
advice because of her sense of guilt.
2. How does Claudius respond to the death of Polonius? Does he understand the implications of what
happened? What will he do now? Claudius responded to the death of Polonius with anger. He does
understand the implications of what happened. Claudius understands that Polonius was hidden
behind the tapestry and was killed by Hamlet. He understands that Hamlet had intended to kill him,
but accidentally killed Polonius instead. This tells Claudius that Hamlet has learned the truth and
that he will try to kill him. Claudius will send Hamlet to England along with Guildenstern and
Rosencrantz.
4.2вЂЁ
1. What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern learn from Hamlet? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were
ordered by Claudius to find out where Hamlet put Polonius' body. However, they have learned
nothing because Hamlet was not willing to give them an answer. Instead, Hamlet mocked them by
calling them

Hamlet Essay examples
Hamlet Hamlet Critique
Hamlet, a play by William Shakespeare, was written in approximately the middle to late 1590's,
while Shakespeare's work was flourishing, and his company was putting up the Globe Theater.
Shakespeare was a profound writer, and Hamlet is considered to be his most prolific writing, and is
a favorite among the readers. It is a tragic tale of conspiracy, death, disease, and a young man's
struggle to avenge his father's murder.
I would like to set apart Hamlet from the array of characters in this play, as to analyze him from a
formalist point of view. To start off, Hamlet was, of course, the main character. As a promising king,
his life is suddenly torn apart by his father's death, and his mother, Gertrude's...show more content...
Some of the most common were his uses of dramatic irony, subplots, monologues and dialogues,
soliloquies, asides, and even contractions and invented words. He also added things to help move the
play along, things of interest, such as ghosts, letters, eavesdropping, love, violence, music, fools, and
sound effects. Hamlet, in its entirety is an excellent example of these things. For instance, the one
that you might notice right off the bat, is the use of a ghost, which appears throughout the play to
instruct young Hamlet. Hamlet always interacts with the ghost, and that adds drama, and a bit of
spookiness to the play.
Another critical element about Hamlet is used in Shakespeare verse forms. Language in this play
can tell the reader what kind of person is talking. For instance, Polonius talks in rhyme verse very
often, which was used by fools, lovers, and often times fairies and other mythical creatures (in
Shakespeare's works). Since Polonius rarely makes sense, and talks circles around himself, rhyme
verse is appropriate because Polonius is a fool. Hamlet, usually talks in blank verse, which was
used by royalty and those of high intelligence. This would make sense, since Hamlet is of royal
blood. Shakespeare was very clever in using this technique to give the reader an idea of a character's
personality, background, attitude, etc. (That is, if you can actually understand Shakespeare!).
One more element I would like to assess

Essay about The Transformation of Hamlet
Throughout the story Hamlet written by William Shakespeare, where there is an astonishing amount
of detail. Hamlet is an alive and kicking story about seeking revenge for his father. Hamlet is a
marvelous story that brings suicide, insanity, procrastination, and sarcasm all into one. The four
categories are set as the story plays them out. Each one has their own excitement, disappointment,
and mild tone. Throughout the quotes given, there is an explanation of why they were chosen. The
suicidal comes into play towards the beginning of the story during act 1. The character Hamlet, is a
very emotional person. During act 1 he makes known with the quote "Wallowing in gloom" (I.ii)
Hamlet at the time is in a mental state of mind,...show more content...
She begins singing and nothing but gibberish comes of it. "She speaks much of her father, says
she hears there's tricks i' th' world, and hems, and beats her heart, Spurns enviously at straws,
speaks things in do" (V.IV.2). In this case Ophelia, has fell of her wagon. She has literally become
insane, due to her father's death. Ophelia feels lost, her brother is gone out of the country, and
now her father is dead. She's confused and in denial. Sarcasm is brought up in the playof Hamlet
numerous amount of times. Claudius was voicing to Hamlet, and begins with "How is it that the
clouds still hang on you?" with a response from Hamlet "Not so, my lord. I' too much I' the sun."
(I.ii.3) Hamlet puts off of feeling that he needs to pretend to like Claudius, to devise a plan, rather
than to be extremely blunt due to Claudius's denial. Gertrude knowing that Hamlet is oppressive
about her choices she quotes "Good Hamlet, cast thy knighted color off, and let thine eye look like
a friend on Denmark. Do not forever with thy vailed lids. Seek for thy noble father in the dust, Thou
know'st 'tis common. All that lives must die, passing through nature eternity." (I.ii.3) Hamlet then
responds we "Ay, madam, it is common." He is being sincere, and also sarcastic. Hamlet knows that
Claudius is the killer, but is terrified to announce that to Gertrude, because she may send him off
before he is able to seek revenge. Procrastination takes its turn in the story. Claudius

Analysis of Hamlet Essay
Hamlet is a suspenseful play that introduces the topic of tragedy. Throughout the play, Hamlet
displays anger, uncertainty, and obsession with death. Although Hamlet is unaware of it, these
emotions cause the mishaps that occur throughout the play. These emotions combined with his
unawareness are the leading basis for the tragic hero's flaws. These flaws lead Hamlet not to be a bad
man, but a regular form of imperfection that comes along with being human. When Hamlet is first
encountered with the ghost that resembles his father, it is revealed that his uncle Claudius might have
been the cause of his father's death. Hamlet is then confused about what he should believe and how
he...show more content...
When he does act, he prefers to do it recklessly and violently. This is a flaw that Hamlet cannot
deny. He knows that it is unjust, but only cares about avenging his father's death. Hamlet is not
only angered with the fact of his father's death, but also with his mother's decision to marry
Claudius. Devastated by his mother's decision to marry so soon after her husband's death, Hamlet
becomes skeptical about women in general. He shows a particular obsession with what he
perceives to be a connection with female sexuality and moral corruption. He almost develops
hatred towards women because of his mother's decision. This hatred occurs and is shown with his
relationship with Ophelia. He urges Ophelia to go to a nunnery rather than experience the
dishonesty of sexuality. This hinders Hamlet from experiencing a love that is really needed at this
time of his loss. One can say that this is another flaw, which Hamlet is unaware of. Throughout the
course of the play, Hamlet is also obsessed with the mystery of death. In the beginning of the play,
he states that he is unsure where one ends up after they die. Later into the play, he makes a reference
to the afterlife contradicting his first approach. When he attempts to kill

Why Is Hamlet's First Soliloquy
I have chosen one of William Shakespeare's most famous works, the soliloquy, "To be or not to
be..." from the play Hamlet. I have chosen this soliloquy because here, we are able to see Hamlet
ride a roller coaster of emotions, where he is struggling to figure out what to do with his life,
whether he should live or not and if everyone eventually dies, does it really matter who or what
causes their death? I believe that this soliloquy has the potential of being expressed in many different
approaches, and yet display the same thought. Also, knowing that this is one of Shakespeare finest
works, there is no doubt there will be many distinct interpretations on hamlet pondering soliloquy.2.
Where did you find each speech?
I choose these performances because they seemed to stand out to me. Both give the audience a full
insight on how the character must have felt during that moment. But the beauty of the two
performances is that they take Hamlet's emotional roller coaster of in two separate directions. One
seem to be more as if he is talking to...show more content...
Mel delivers his lines in almost like a whisper creating a melodramatic feel. He doesn't place much
emphasis on the opening lines, allowing the audience to really focus on deep meaning behind each
and every line and the gravity of his speech. He doesn't use emphases a lot therefore when he does
pronounce phrases such as "Than fly to others that we know not of?" with emphases, it drags the
audience in to the characters mind and feel the anguished and distraught feeling the character is
displaying in his soliloquy. He use quite a bit of pauses which is seen when he quotes, "To
die(pause); to sleep (pause)," these pauses creates suspense and demonstrates the character mind is
being overwhelmed with thoughts. We are able to interpret that he character knows from the very
start that committing suicide is not an option but moreover rallying questions with

Hamlet Comprehension Questions Package
Act 1,Scene 1,Question 3: The three questions that Horatio asked to the ghost of Hamlet sr. were : If
you can speak to me, please talk?. If there is something needs to happen,then talk to me?. If you
know the future of this country, then tell me?.
Act 1,Scene 2,Question 7: King Claudius decides to deal with young Fortinbras by sending
ambassadors, which are cornelius and voltemand. They are sent to inform the sick king of Norway
to stop the foolishness of his nephew. The main objective of the message is be more aware of his
nephew's actions.
Act 1,Scene 3, Question 12 : Laertes and Polonius both were warning Ophelia about her relationship
with prince Hamlet. Laertes was advising Ophelia to be aware...show more content...
How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience!
The harlot's cheek, beautied with plastering art, Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it
Than is my deed to my most painted word. O heavy burden!" (3.1.Lines 51–55).
Act 3,Scene 2,Question 11 : The "pipe" is a metaphor that Hamlet jr uses it as a description to
describe Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of how they are playing him. They are trying to make him
"sing" the cause of his madness; so they can repeat it to the king. This ultimately shows how
dishonest and shallow character they are.
Act 3,Scene3,Question 15: Hamlet does not want to kill claudius when he is confessing his sins in
the altar, because hamlet feels if he kills him while praying, his soul might go to heaven. So, Hamlet
decides to wait till he is committing any sin (i.e. When he is gambling, drinking or fulfilling his
sexual lustful desires with Gertrude). Hamlet will wait so when he gets his revenge from claudius
while committing any of those sins he will end up in hell.
Act 3,Scene 4,Question 19 : The Ghost reappears to Hamlet, so he can tell him to not make his
mother feel guilty regarding her recent acts. He also states to focus on the main objective which is
to gain revenge. This reappearance of the ghost indirectly shows that Hamlet Sr. still has feeling
towards his ex–wife, even when he is

Hamlet Soliloquies In Hamlet
"To be or not to be– that is the question." An exceptionally recognized phrase amid many centuries,
cultures, places, and people. This short excerpt derives from the Shakespearean play, Hamlet: The
Tragedy of the Prince of Denmark. Originally, this passage was displayed in one of the soliloquies of
the play. Defined as "an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any
hearers, especially by a character in a play", a soliloquy is crucial to furthering the plot and
connecting the audience with the speaker. William Shakespeare reveals the true desires and intentions
of Hamlet, the main character of Hamlet: The Tragedy of the Prince of Denmark, within the
protagonist's soliloquies. Even Hamlet, one of the most complex characters in literary history, can
be simplified through the use of a soliloquy. William Shakespeare employs the use of soliloquies
for a variety of reason, essentially revealing the characteristics of a protagonist through the use of
soliloquies. The scholarly article, publicized by the Hutchinson Encyclopedia, explains a soliloquy
is employed "as a means of conveying information about a character's intentions, motives, and
general state of mind. It is a way of revealing a character's innermost thoughts on stage" (1). A
soliloquy allows the audience to see a more personal side of the protagonist. By explaining
personally from the thoughts of the protagonist, this personal monologue allows characters to
reveal a more personal side of the story. From the perspective of a character, a soliloquy is the most
involved a...show more content...
Consistently, Hamlet reveals his innermost thoughts and devising of plans in order to lead up a
decision. Hamlet includes the audience through soliloquies of the intricacy and complexity of each
of his

Rhetorical Questions For Hamlet Essay
Shakespeare's Hamlet (1603) can be understood as a big question in itself, especially due to the
character of Hamlet. What are Hamlet's motivations? What drives him? Is it revenge, madness or
jealousy? And why does it take him so much to accomplish his goal? These rhetorical questions and
others will be found throughout the play (even the most famous line in English literature is a
question), but they will remain unanswered. Hamlet's mind is only achievable through his
soliloquies, and even there his nature is uncertain. Why is he contemplating committing suicide in
his third monologue if he has already developed a plan to catch Claudius? I believe he is aware of
his weakness and knows that, even if Claudius turns out to be actually guilty, Hamlet would not be
able to fulfill his revenge accordingly. In this sense, everyone would agree that Hamlet is a play
about revenge. Once the ghost of Old Hamlet reveals the truth to the protagonist, he acknowledges
his fate as his father's avenger: he knows he will die in the meanwhile and perhaps that is the reason
why he pushes Ophelia away. Nonetheless, Hamlet appears as an anti–heroic figure; he is definitely
not a man of...show more content...
The play has been interpreted in psychoanalytical terms as a classical example of the Oedipus
Complex. This term was coined by Sigmund Freud making reference to the relationship between
Hamlet and his mother, and referring to the Greek character of Oedipus, who killed his father and
married his mother. In this sense, we could understand Hamlet's delay as his incapability to
condemn Claudius, given that he has achieved what Hamlet desired: to kill his father (whom he
saw as a rival) and to marry his mother. In a way, Claudius and Hamlet are competing forGertrude's
love. Hamlet then struggles with the Oedipus Complex unconsciously; he is moved by contradictory
emotions and impulses and he is thus unable to take

Hamlet Close Reading Essay
A Close Reading of a Passage in William Shakespeare 's "Hamlet"
"To be, or not to be: that is the question," said by Hamlet at the beginning of his soliloquy, and it
has become a quite well known phrase since Shakespeare 's time. Even though the phrase is well
known, the meaning behind it isn't always fully interrupted or considered. The phrase can also be
known as a representation of the Hamlet play itself, but the phrase is actually the words of
someone whom is truly depressed and questioning life all together. "To be, or not to be," in other
words to live or to die, and at this time for Hamlet that is the ultimate question. However, is Hamlet
truly depressed and crazed, or is he merely trying to fool everyone around him by playing the part?
That will be the true question throughout this essay, and the following will question and explore
Hamlet and his questioned sanity. I will do so by exploring events that lead up to Hamlet's
questioning of suicide, a close reading and reasoning behind Hamlet's soliloquy, events resulting
from Hamlet and his feelings, and how this passage of Hamlet reflects upon William Shakespeare
himself. When the play begins, King Hamlet has died and his son is distraught and sorrowful while
it seems all the rest of the kingdom has moved on. In fact, the king's wife, Gertrude has moved on to
another husband already. Who is the king's brother, and the uncle of the mourning Hamlet. Hamlet
continuously wears dark clothing in which he claims reveals

Question Questions On Hamlet
Question 1 :
King wanted to kill Hamlet, since the murder of Polonius showed that Hamlet actually wanted to kill
Claudius since Hamlet had known about his secret of killing his brother. Yes he is, since his
documents had been settled up and his two companions who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will
lead Hamlet to England. It was weird since both of his companion involved in the arrangement to
send Hamlet to England. Gertrude said to Claudius that Hamlet heard the sound of rat that distracted
him and derived him to kill Polonius. "It had...been there" (4:1:13) , "There's letters ... two
schoolfellows" (3:4:204) , "Whips out... a rat!" (4:1:10)
Question 2 :
Fortinbras had shown to Hamlet an enthusiasm to fight on something even though it is worthless.
...show more content...
Besides, the people around him also loves him until they could not put even a blame towards
Hamlet. They could just see his goodness. The reasons that Claudius gave seems genuine. If he
ever killed Hamlet, he may lost his wife since Gertrude loves Hamlet very much. Besides, he may
lost his crown and his kingdom if he had lost her wife. At first, he planned to keep Hamlet
working and kill Hamlet so that people will assume that he died accidentally and not a murder.
Next, Laertes planned that he will put some poison at the edge of his sword and kill Hamlet by
using that sword. Finally, Claudius planned to put a poison in a drink, and pass it to Hamlet for
Hamlet to drink. "But yet... his mother" (4:7:11), "Why to... not go" (4:7:17) , "No more... work
him" (4:7:63) , "And for... my sword" (4:7:140) , "And that... prepared him" (4:7:159)
Question 6
a)Claudius has shown up his real action to kill Hamlet. At first, he sent Hamlet to England but he
was failed since Hamlet was not being killed. Then, he found out another way when Laertes came
and they work together to kill Hamlet. His desire increase since Laertes came to take revenge of
the murderer of Polonius. "The present... England" (4:3:65) , "No more... work him" (4:7:63)
b)Laertes showed that he was eager on something since he wanted to take revenge upon his
father's death. He cooperated with Claudius to kill Hamlet. He also showed that he is a man that is
so loving towards his sister. He was sad to see the condition of Ophelia after the death of their
father. "O heat... times salt" (4:5:154) , "And for...my sword"

Essay Questions For Hamlet

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Essay Questions For Hamlet