Hamlet Act 2 Questions

Act Two Scene One:

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, while in France. The purpose of this conversation is to show how Polonius is a rather sneaky father. Then Ophelia comes to her father and reports what happened when Hamlet came to her bedroom.

1. Describe Hamlet’s behavior as Ophelia reports it. How does Polonius respond?

Act Two Scene Two:

The King and Queen have summoned two of Hamlet’s college buds to the castle to spy on him and find out what’s going on with his weird behavior. Polonius then tells the King and Queen that he has figured out why Hamlet is acting so strange - he is madly in love with Ophelia. He decides to talk to him to see how he reacts.

2. Describe Hamlet’s behavior during his encounter with Polonius. And during his encounter with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

3. 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?

Rest of Act Two Scene Two Summary:

A traveling band of actors arrive to the castle which brings much joy to Hamlet (he is after all quite the Renaissance man). He asks the lead actor to deliver a speech retelling a tale of the Trojan War. The actor does and his words are so powerful and full of emotion that he brings himself to tears. This has an effect on Hamlet as he sees how much passion the actor has for life. Hamlet then asks the lead actor to put on a play for the castle that will show a death similar to his father’s. He also wants to add a few lines to the play. The actor agrees. Hamlet then delivers another soliloquy conveying his own disdain for himself since he lacks the passion to actually kill Claudius.