Hamlet Act 2 Study Questions

Answer each question in one or two complete sentences and use quotations/specific references to support your answers. Questions in bold should be answered in a full paragraph with more depth in your analysis. Answer on a separate piece of paper.

SCENE 1

1. Explain how the exchange with Reynaldo helps to develop Polonius’ suspicious and cynical nature.
2. Describe Hamlet’s behavior as Ophelia reports it. How does Polonius respond?
3. Even though Laertes is away in France, we still see Polonius meddling in the lives of his children. What similarities are there in the way he is interacting in Ophelia’s life and his attempt to influence Laertes’s life in France? Are there differences?

SCENE 2

1. Explain Rosencrantz’ and Guildenstern’s purpose. How do they react?
2. Who from the previous scene do R & G remind you of? How is their job similar to this other character?
3. After reading the conversation between Polonius and the King and Queen, how are the relationships between Polonius and his children similar to the relationship between the King/ Queen and Hamlet?
4. Describe Hamlet’s behavior during his encounter with Polonius. What is its purpose?
5. How does Hamlet’s mood change upon R & G’s arrival?
6. Paraphrase Hamlet’s speech/ monologue lines         (“I have of late…”). Focus on his view of mankind. What does this tell you about Hamlet’s current state of mind? Is this all just part of his antic disposition?
7. Paraphrase Hamlet’s soliloquy at the end of the scene. Compare/contrast Hamlet’s mood at the end of act two with that of act one.