Hamlet Act III Flashcards
(27 cards)
Why is Claudius angry at the beginning of this scene?
Rosencrantz and Guilderstern failed to find out why Hamlet is insane
What does Polonius plan to do to prove that Hamlet is “lovesick”?
That He (Polonius) and Claudius will hide and secretly listen to Hamlet and Ophelia’s conversation
How does Hamlet treat Ophelia?
He’s cruel. Says he never loved her
~ tells he she should never have children and she should go to the convent
What conclusion does Claudius make after spying on Hamlet and Ophelia?
That Hamlet does not love Ophelia and that he is not “mad” (crazy)
He thinks Hamlet is a ??????????
What does Claudius plan to do to Hamlet in hopes of healing his troubled mind?
He wants to send Hamlet to England so he can clear his mind. Claudius says it will be a diplomatic trip to recover a debt he is owed
What plan does Hamlet hatch with Horatio in regards to the sub play (play within a play)?
He tells Horatio to watch Claudius for any signs of guilt
Briefly describe the pantomime show that begins before the play starts
Trumpets play a Danish march
(Players act out a brief silent version of the play to come) where a man comes in and murders the King while he sleeps (by pouring poison in his ear).
Then the murderer seduces the Queen (and she accepts his advances).
What does Hamlet call this play?
The Mouse Trap
The play represents a reenactment of Hamlet’s father’s murder. With this in mind, who could the character “Luciano’s” represent?
Claudius
How does Claudius react to the sub play?
Makes them stop the play, has lights turned on, and he flees the room, followed by the audience
What conclusion does Hamlet come to based on Claudius’ reaction?
That Claudius did kill his father and that the ghost of his father is real
Why did Gertrude send Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to see Hamlet?
To tell him that Gertrude (his Mother) is upset and wants to see him in her Chambers
How does Hamlet plan to approach his conversation with his Mother?
He will speak harshly, but will not hurt her
What is Polonius’ plan when Hamlet talks to Gertrude?
He hides behind a tapestry to hear them
Claudius goes into a large monologue after Polonius exits. Based on what he says, what is Claudius feeling?
Guilty
What does Claudius admit to doing?
Killing his brother, King Hamlet
Why doesn’t Hamlet kill Claudius while he prays?
Because if Claudius would die after confessing in prayer, his soul would go to Heaven. He wants Claudius to suffer. Hamlet would rather wait to kill Claudius while he is sinning - so he won’t go to Heaven
What is Polonius’ advice to Gertrude before Hamlet arrives?
Tells her to be very harsh and blunt with Hamlet. She should chastise him.
What does Hamlet do when Polonius calls out for help?
Calls him a rat
Stabs him through the tapestry and kills him
Who does Hamlet think is behind the tapestry?
King Claudius
What does Hamlet compare his actions to?
The rash and bloody murder of his father by Claudius and then his mother marrying Claudius
Hamlet points to 2 pictures and compares the men in the pictures to Gertrude’s situation with Claudius and Hamlet Sr. After Hamlet’s speech, how does Gertrude react/feel?
She’s very shameful and asks Hamlet to stop. She says her sin can’t be washed clean
Why does the ghost reappear to Hamlet?
To tell him to stop fussing / condemning his mother
And to remind Hamlet that his revenge is to kill Claudius (which he has not done yet)
Can Gertrude see the ghost?
No
