Ophelia Part 3 Questions: 46-Epilogue

What important event takes place in this chapter?

Ophelia has a baby, names him Hamlet, and accepts being a mother.

What does Ophelia finally reveal?

Ophelia finally reveals that Hamlet is the father of her child.

What event/religious day takes place in this chapter? How is it celebrated?

The feast of Christ's resurrection (Easter) is celebrated with an Easter Vigil service featuring singing and reenactments of the resurrection.

How has Marguerite changed in her treatment of Ophelia? Why?

Marguerite now respects Ophelia, seeing her strength as the mother of a prince, moving from disdain to humility.

What act of desperation does Ophelia try to save Therese? How does Therese respond?

Ophelia presents baby Hamlet to Therese, who smiles and cradles him, showing a deep emotional connection before she dies.

What amazing revelation is affirmed at the end of this chapter? What does it mean?

Therese finds salvation in Hamlet, highlighting the connection between life and death, offering comfort as she passes.

Why does Marguerite come to Ophelia? Explain.

Marguerite visits Ophelia to record Therese's death and write her story for the bishop, believing a miracle occurred.

What does Marguerite tell Ophelia that convinces her that she has been forgiven for her sins?

Marguerite tells Ophelia that witnessing Therese’s death and seeing Christ’s blood symbolizes their forgiveness.

Explain how Marguerite came to live in the convent? What unusual coincidence is revealed?

Marguerite was sent to the convent after her reputation suffered due to a failed marriage. The coincidence is that her assailant, Fortinbras, is now the ruler of Denmark, Ophelia's homeland.

What is Marguerite’s hope concerning baby Hamlet? How does Ophelia respond?

Marguerite hopes baby Hamlet will bring justice to Fortinbras. Ophelia wishes to live in peace and refuses to return to Denmark under any tyrant.

How is the cause of the Count’s death situational irony? Explain.

The Count’s death from syphilis is ironic because he was a strict moral figure, yet he died from a disease linked to moral failure, showing his hypocrisy.

What is Ophelia’s occupation? Explain.

Ophelia is a physician at the convent, helping both the nuns and local villagers, thus building her reputation as a healer.

Why does the bishop come to acknowledge Ophelia’s story as the truth?

Bishop Garamond believes Ophelia’s story after she shows him Horatio’s letter, confirming her claims about fleeing to France for safety.

In what capacity does the bishop serve in young Hamlet’s life? Of what does Marguerite warn Ophelia?

The bishop protects young Hamlet and promises to educate him. Marguerite warns Ophelia that the bishop may use Hamlet for his own political goals.

How is the mythological allusion of Cupid, a foreshadowing?

The reference to Cupid foreshadows romantic feelings between Ophelia and Horatio, suggesting love may grow between them.

Who comes to see Ophelia?! Cite text that supports his feelings for her.

Horatio comes to see Ophelia, expressing his feelings by saying, "I am glad to behold you alive," showing his joy and care for her.

What additional news does he bring and of whom?

Horatio brings news of Denmark's political turmoil and mentions a rumor of a potential heir to the throne, which is significant but also troubling.

When he tells Ophelia of a rumor of a possible heir, how is this dramatic irony?

The idea of a possible heir is dramatic irony because Ophelia knows the truth about Hamlet and thinks there are no living heirs who could claim the throne.

Why does he pull away from Ophelia when she kisses him? What misconception does he wrongly believe?

Horatio pulls away from Ophelia after their kiss because he fears he is dishonoring her, mistakenly believing she is still bound by her past as a widow.

Whom does he meet at the novel’s end? What epiphany does he have?

At the end of the novel, Horatio meets Ophelia’s son, Hamlet, and realizes how closely connected he is to both Ophelia and the past tragedy.

How do you feel about the novel’s ending? What do you think would happen if Klein had written an additional chapter?

The ending offers hope with Ophelia, Horatio, and young Hamlet together. If Klein added another chapter, it might show how they adjust to their new life while facing their history.