Act 3 Study 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

1. 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

(See “Video Questions” on other side)

SCENE 3

     2.      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? What kind of villain is he? 

3. Why does Hamlet not kill Claudius when he has the chance? Do you think this is a rational reason for not killing the King?

SCENE  4

      4.      How does Hamlet act after he kills Polonius? Does he seem remorseful at all? What might this tell you about his mental state?

5. What might be significant that Hamlet is the only one who sees the ghost in this scene? What might this tell us about his mental state?