Hamlet Act 1: Conflicts, Literary Devices, and Character Analysis

What are the three main conflicts in Hamlet?

1. Internal conflict: Hamlet's struggle with grief and suicidal thoughts. 2. External conflict: Hamlet's suspicion and anger towards his uncle Claudius. 3. Societal conflict: The theme of lust and the perception of women.

What does the term 'canon' refer to in Hamlet?

It refers to God's law, specifically regarding the prohibition against suicide.

What is the purpose of a soliloquy in Hamlet?

To provide insight into a character's mental and emotional state,

How does Hamlet view the world in his soliloquy?

He sees it as corrupt and uncontrollable

What central theme is highlighted by the characters' views on women in Hamlet?

Where women are viewed as frail and weak-minded

What does Hamlet's internal conflict reveal about his character?

He is deeply grieving his father's death and is suspicious and angry about his mother's quick marriage to Claudius.

What does Hamlet question regarding life in Act 1?

He questions whether life is worth living and considers suicide, but rejects it due to religious beliefs.

What does the term 'pretense of virtue' refer to in Hamlet?

The idea that most characters hide their true intentions and emotions.

How does Hamlet's bleak worldview affect his perception of others?

He views other characters as untrustworthy and believes that everyone's nature is evil.

What does Polonius doubt about Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia?

He doubts Hamlet's sincerity, believing it to be merely lustful youthfulness.

What does Hamlet's soliloquy reveal about his relationship with his uncle Claudius?

It shows his suspicion and anger towards Claudius for marrying his mother so soon after his father's death.

How does Hamlet's character serve to illustrate verbal and dramatic irony?

He often expresses thoughts that contrast with his outward behavior, revealing his distrust of those around him.

What is the role of lust in the relationships depicted in Hamlet?

Lust is portrayed as a driving force in the relationship between Claudius and Gertrude, as well as in Polonius's view of Hamlet and Ophelia.

What does Hamlet's despair lead him to consider about his own life?

He considers suicide but ultimately rejects the idea due to his understanding of God's law.

What does Hamlet's first soliloquy reveal about his emotional state?

It reveals his deep grief, despair, and bleak outlook on life following his father's death.

Epizeuxis

Repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession for emphasis.

Allusion

A reference to something outside the text, often historical, religious, or literary

Metonymy

A figure of speech where one word or phrase is substituted with another closely associated with it

Interjection

A sudden, emotional expression inserted into speech or writing

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping readers visualize scenes or emotions.

Portentous

Ominous or threatening

Commendable

Praiseworthy or admirable

Apparition

Ghost or spirit

Beguile

To deceive or trick

Lewdness

Obscene or morally corrupt behavior

Who appears as a ghost, and why is this significant to the guards and Horatio?

The ghost of King Hamlet appears, which alarms the guards and Horatio because it suggests something is wrong in Denmark—possibly political unrest or a supernatural warning

What is Hamlet’s emotional reaction to his mother’s remarriage?

Hamlet is deeply upset and feels betrayed, believing Gertrude married Claudius too quickly after his father’s death.

Why does Claudius send messengers to Norway?

To ask the King of Norway to stop his nephew Fortinbras from attacking Denmark.

What warning does Laertes give Ophelia about Hamlet?

He warns that Hamlet’s love may be influenced by lust, not genuine affection.

What does the ghost reveal to Hamlet about his death?

The ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius murdered him by pouring poison in his ear while he slept.

What does Hamlet tell Horatio and Marcellus after speaking with the ghost?

That villains are evil