act 2 test

By first indirectly inquiring about Danish people in Paris, then asking more specific questions

How does Polonius suggest Reynaldo should gather information about Laertes?

To gather information about Laertes's behavior in Paris

What is Polonius's main instruction to Reynaldo regarding Laertes?

Common youthful misbehavior, not severe misconduct

What type of behavior does Polonius instruct Reynaldo to imply about Laertes?

To discover Laertes's true behavior by eliciting responses

What is Polonius's ultimate goal in having Reynaldo spread rumors about Laertes?

Disheveled, pale, and acting strangely

How does Ophelia describe Hamlet's appearance when he visited her?

Holding her wrist, staring at her face, and sighing deeply

What physical actions does Ophelia report Hamlet taking during his visit?

As a sign of love-induced madness

How does Polonius interpret Hamlet's behavior towards Ophelia?

She rejected his letters and denied him access to her.

What recent action does Ophelia reveal she has taken regarding Hamlet?

Inform the king about Hamlet's behavior.

What does Polonius decide to do after hearing about Hamlet's visit to Ophelia?

He worried Hamlet was insincere and intended to harm Ophelia.

What does Polonius mean when he says, "I fear'd he did but trifle, / And meant to wreck thee"?

To investigate the cause of Hamlet's strange behavior

What is King Claudius's primary reason for summoning Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to Elsinore?

With friendly suspicion

How does Hamlet initially respond to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's arrival?

Hamlet's love for Ophelia

What does Polonius believe is the cause of Hamlet's madness?

He feels trapped and confined by his circumstances.

What does Hamlet mean when he says, "Denmark's a prison"?

He is bored

What is Hamlet's first reaction upon hearing that the actors have arrived?

To stage a play mirroring his father's murder

What is Hamlet's plan after speaking with the Players?

He will use the play to determine Claudius's guilt.

What does Hamlet mean when he says, "The play's the thing / Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King"?

From self-criticism to determination

How does Hamlet's attitude towards himself change throughout his final soliloquy?

It highlights Hamlet's inability to act on his emotions.

What is the significance of Hamlet's comparison between himself and the first player in his soliloquy?

He is aware of their true purpose and distrustful.

What does Hamlet's interaction with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern reveal about his mental state?