Hamlet Act 2 Questions

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

SCENE 1: At the beginning of the scene Polonius speaks to a character named Reynaldo (someone we never see again) and tells him to spy on his son, Laertes. The purpose of this conversation is to show how Polonius is a rather sneaky father. Then Ophelia comes to him with some information:

1. Describe Hamlet’s behavior as Ophelia reports it. How does Polonius respond?
2. How has Ophelia changed (or not changed) from Act 1 Scene 3 when she spoke with her brother and father? Is she doing the right thing in reporting Hamlet’s strange actions to her father? Or is she just scared? Or is she just conforming to whatever her father tells her to do?

SCENE 2

3.      Explain Rosencrantz’ and Guildenstern’s purpose for being called back to Denmark. How do they react?

4. 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?
5. Describe Hamlet’s behavior during his encounter with Polonius. What is his purpose for acting this way?
6. What effect is Hamlet’s behavior from this act having on the other people in the castle?
7. Paraphrase Hamlet’s “Metaphysical” monologue  (“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? Or is this how he really feels?
8. 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.

Hamlet’s Metaphysical Monologue

I have of late, (but wherefore

I know not) lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises;

and indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition;

that this goodly frame the earth, seems to me a sterile

promontory; this most excellent canopy the air,

look you, this brave o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof,

fretted with golden fire: why, it appears no other thing

to me, than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors.

What a piece of work is a man! How noble in

reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving

how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel!

in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the

world! The paragon of animals! And yet to me, what is

this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me

 (Act II, Scene ii, 285-300)