Hamlet Act 3 Study Questions

Hamlet Act Three

Answer in complete sentences and use quotations/specific references to support your answers. Answer on a separate piece of paper.

SCENE 1

1. Cite proof that Claudius knows that there is more going on with Hamlet than meets the eye.
2. A) Paraphrase the critical problems in life/death in Hamlet’s famous soliloquy lines 64-98.  B) what is his main motivation for not taking action?
3. Read the conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia. Remember that Hamlet was very sarcastic, slightly funny, and a little cruel to Polonius in the previous Act. How is Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia in this conversation different from his treatment of Polonius? Why do you think he is treating her in this way?

 

SCENE 2

1. What happens to Hamlet’s relationship to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in this scene? How does Hamlet treat them?

SCENE 3

1. In Claudius’ first monologue the reader saw a smart, calculating politician who seemed to be in love. In this Act’s Soliloquy, the reader witnesses a much different villain. Write a paragraph describing Claudius feelings in this speech. What concerns Claudius in his soliloquy? How is his behavior different from the first Act? What kind of villain is he? Use a quote in your paragraph  (lines 39-75)
2. Why does Hamlet not kill Claudius when he has the chance? Do you think this is a rational reason for not killing the King, or is there something else going on in Hamlet’s mind?

SCENE  4

1. A) Cite and explain one of Hamlet’s most damning accusations against his mother. B) Does he seem to be following his father’s earlier request?
2. What might be significant that Hamlet is the only one who sees the ghost in this scene?
3. What advice does Hamlet give Gertrude in lines 160-217?

Act 3 Summary Question:

 

1. How would you characterize Hamlet’s behavior at the end of this Act? How would you describe his emotional state and how is this different from the previous Acts?