Hamlet Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards for English III Final Review on Hamlet

Who wrote Hamlet?

Shakespeare

Who is the King of Denmark?

At the start of the play, Claudius is King.

How is Hamlet related to Claudius?

Claudius is Hamlet's uncle and stepfather.

What relation is Gertrude to Hamlet?

Mother

Who appears as a ghost in the play?

The ghost of King Hamlet

What is Claudius's motivation for marrying Gertrude?

To gain the throne.

Who is Ophelia's brother?

Laertes

What role does Polonius hold in the Danish court?

Chief advisor to the King.

Why does Hamlet pretend to be mad?

To investigate his father's death and deceive his enemies.

What is the name of the play Hamlet stages to expose Claudius's guilt?

"The Mousetrap"

What does Claudius do when he sees the play?

He rises and leaves the play.

What is Polonius's advice to his son Laertes?

Be true to yourself.

What is Laertes's advice to Ophelia?

Stay away from Hamlet.

What is Polonius's attitude towards Ophelia's relationship with Hamlet?

He disapproves of it.

How does Hamlet kill Polonius?

Hamlet stabs him through a curtain, thinking it's Claudius.

What message does the ghost give Hamlet?

To avenge his murder.

Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

Childhood friends of Hamlet.

What happens to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

They are executed.

Why is Hamlet sent to England?

Claudius wants him killed.

Who is Fortinbras?

A prince of Norway.

How does Ophelia die?

She drowns.

Who challenges Hamlet to a duel?

Laertes

What weapon is used in the duel?

A poisoned foil

What happens to Hamlet at the end?

He dies from poison.

What does Hamlet request of Horatio before he dies?

To tell his story.

What is the significance of Yorick's skull?

Mortality.

What is the tone of Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" soliloquy?

Suicidal ideation and existential dread.

What does Hamlet mean when he calls women "frail"?

That they are weak.

Who is the first to see the ghost?

The guards.

What is Hamlet's view on death in the play?

Fearful and uncertain.

How does Claudius react to the threat posed by Hamlet?

He plots to kill Hamlet.

What is the primary theme of Hamlet?

Revenge, morality, and madness.

What does Hamlet use to kill Claudius?

Poison on the sword.

What role does Horatio play in the play?

Narrator of the play

Why does Hamlet hesitate to kill Claudius while he is praying?

He wants to kill him while he is sinning.

How does Hamlet's behavior affect Ophelia?

It drives her mad.

What is the significance of Ophelia's flowers?

Loss and grief.

What does Claudius confess in his soliloquy?

He murdered his brother.

How does Laertes feel about his father's death?

Seeks revenge