Hamlet Summary

questions over the entire book of hamlet

What characters are introduced in Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet?

Bernardo, Francisco, Horatio, and Marcellus.

What supernatural element is referenced in Act 1, Scene 1?

The ghost of King Hamlet.

Why is Prince Fortinbras posed to attack Denmark?

To retrieve lands lost by his father, King Fortinbras, to King Hamlet.

What does King Claudius tell Hamlet regarding his mourning in Act 1, Scene 2?

He needs to stop mourning as it is sinful and offensive to heaven.

How long had King Hamlet been dead when Hamlet expressed his sadness to Horatio and Marcellus?

Two months.

What is Laertes' advice to Ophelia regarding her relationship with Hamlet?

He warns her not to associate with him because he is royalty.

What does Hamlet think of the royal court's drinking habits in Act 1, Scene 4?

He believes it reflects poorly on the country.

What revelation does the ghost of King Hamlet make to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5?

Claudius killed him by putting poison in his ear.

What task does Polonius assign to Reynaldo in Act 2, Scene 1?

To spy on Laertes and find out about his behavior.

In Act 2, Scene 2, what does Claudius request Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?

To spy on Hamlet.

What does Hamlet call Polonius during their conversation in Act 2, Scene 2?

A fish seller.

What literary technique does Hamlet ask the actors to employ during their performance in Act 3, Scene 2?

To hold up a mirror to vice or virtue.

What does Hamlet contemplate in his famous 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1?

Whether to live or die.

How does Hamlet respond to Ophelia when she tries to return his letters?

He denies giving her anything and questions her beauty.

What plan do Claudius and Polonius agree on regarding Hamlet and Ophelia in Act 3, Scene 1?

To spy on their interactions.

What does the ghost of King Hamlet remind Hamlet to do regarding his mother?

To be kinder to her because she is in shock.

What are Claudius and Gertrude’s reactions to Ophelia's madness in Act 4, Scene 5?

Claudius is concerned about the rumors surrounding Polonius’ death.

What does Fortinbras’ captain tell Hamlet in Act 4, Scene 4?

The land they are attacking is worthless, but Fortinbras is willing to fight for it.

How does Hamlet feel about the death of Polonius when he speaks to Claudius in Act 4, Scene 3?

He makes light of it and says he is not where he eats but where he is eaten.

What is the outcome of the fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes?

Hamlet wounds Laertes with the poisoned sword.

What does Hamlet dictate to Horatio before dying?

Horatio must live to tell the story.

What public news does Horatio receive at the end of the play?

The death of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

What final command does Fortinbras give for Hamlet after he dies?

To display Hamlet’s body with military honors.