Act II, Scenes I and Ii

Act II, Scenes I and Ii

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Hamlet Analysis Guide

Act II, Scenes i and ii

Vocabulary

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  1. quaintly: ingeniously;
  2. prenominate: aforementioned
  3. videlicet: that is to say; namely
  4. purport: expression
  5. sith: since
  6. expostulate: discuss
  7. perpend: consider
  8. prescripts: orders
  9. arras: tapestry or curtain
  10. chanson: song

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Reading focus:

The theme of appearance and reality is of paramount importance in the rising action of the play. These scenes present numerous expressions of the theme, from spying and eavesdropping to literal acting, namely, taking a role in a play.

With the introduction of the theme of madness in the play, we confront one of the play’s major puzzles: Is Hamlet truly mad or does he pretend to be mad? Deliberate on this question.

Questions: Answer all questions (provide evidence)

  1. Discuss Hamlet’s position at court now that he knows that his father has been murdered by the reigning king.
  2. What is Hamlet’s dilemma?
  3. How is it almost predictable that the theme of appearance and reality should become so important in the play?
  4. What advantages does acting hold for Hamlet? What disadvantages?
  5. Do you think Hamlet has shown any predisposition (tendency) toward insanity?
  6. As Hamlet confronts the characters who are trying to entrap him (Polonius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern), his facility with puns and his ability to turn apparently simple words into ironic expressions become more and more apparent. Discuss how the fundamental ambiguity of these verbal gymnastics is relevant to Hamlet’s character and to the dilemma that he faces in the play.

Theme: Appearance and Reality: Answer One of the two

“Give him this money and these notes . . .

You have me, have you not?” (34:1-74)

  1. What do Polonius’s instructions to Reynaldo to spy on Laertes and thus “by indirections find directions out” show about his regard for his son?
  2. What does Reynaldo, the sly courtier, resort to when he objects to Polonius’plan, saying that it might dishonor Laertes?

Theme: Madness- Pick 1 or 2 and answer 3 with evidence

“O my lord, my lord, I have been so affrighted! . . . His access to me.” (37:84-121)

  1. How do Ophelia and Polonius ironically both misinterpret Hamlet’s behavior?
  2. Discuss Hamlet’s feelings toward Ophelia.
  3. Has Hamlet assumed the role of the melancholy lover to deceive Polonius by convincing Ophelia that he is mad? Defend your opinion with examples from the text.

Theme: Appearance and Reality-Pick two questions to answer with evidence

“Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern . . .

Pleasant and helpful to him.” (39:1-41)

  1. As Polonius instructed Reynaldo to spy on Laertes in the preceding scene, Claudius charges the fawning (flattering; brown-nosing) courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do what?
  2. How does Claudius careful to mask his intentions?
  3. What ironic effect is produced by the echoes in lines 33-34?

Characterization: Gertrude-Pick 1 or 2 and answer question 3 with evidence

“I doubt it is no other . . . our o’erhasty marriage.” (59-60)

  1. How much does Gertrude know about Claudius’ role in King Hamlet’s death?
  2. To what extent is she Claudius’ accomplice?
  3. What is the tone of her response to Claudius in her lines?

Characterization: Fortinbras- Answer 1 and pick two additional questions to answer

“Most fair returns of greetings . . . As therein are set down.” (41:64-84)

  1. Why do you think this scene was inserted?
  2. What does his acceptance of his uncle—father’s instructions reveal about his character?
  3. His quick agreement show that his thirst for action is stronger than his desire for what?
  4. Fortinbras’ action is intended as a contrast to Hamlet’s what?

Characterization: Polonius-Answer all questions

“This business is well ended . . . Pertend.” (42:91)

  1. What instances of verbal play can you identify in Polonius’ speeches?
  2. How does this playing with words compare and contrast with Hamlet’s fondness for puns?

Theme: Appearance and Reality- Answer questions 1-3 and pick one additional question to answer (4-6)

“At such a time I’ll loose my daughter to him . . .

These tedious old fools!” (45:178-236)

  1. Appearance and reality runs like a leitmotif through this long scene. What is a leitmotif?
  2. The following are all parallels of this theme. Give an example of each.
  • Pretense
  • Hypocrisy
  • Eavesdropping
  • Punning
  • Acting
  1. Give two examples of the multiple ironies found in the scene.
  2. What is the tone of this passage?
  3. How is humor underscored in this scene?
  4. Whose questions are framed in the overly cautious style used by adults who are uncomfortable with misbehaving children?

Characterization: Hamlet (47:240-389)Answer all questions

  1. What do Hamlet’s words reveal about his state of mind?
  2. What literary device does he use to unburden his heart?
  3. Hamlet’s “antic disposition” allows him to play the role of the court jester in the Elizabethan court. In performing his role, what was the jester allowed to expose?

Allusion: Pick three to answer

“O Jephthah, judge of Israel . . . come to Hecuba” (53:412-508)

The scene is full of allusions to classical drama and mythology.

  1. Who is the Roman actor Roscius?
  2. Who is Seneca?
  3. Who is Plautus?
  4. Who is Virgil?
  5. What is his work Aeneid about?
  6. Might Shakespeare be alluding to aspects of the Elizabethan theater in this scene? Explain.
  7. What is his criticism of Elizabethan audiences?

Soliloquy-Answer all

“O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I! . . .

the conscience of the King.” (58:556-613)

This speech is the second of Hamlet’s four great soliloquies.

  1. What is the link with the theme of appearance and reality as the prince contrasts himself with one of the actors?
  2. How does this speech contrast with Hamlet’s first soliloquy?

Theme: Doubt-Answer question 2 and pick 1 more to answer with evidence

  1. For what does Hamlet reproach himself in this speech?
  2. Why is it reasonable for Hamlet to suspect that the ghost may be the devil?
  3. Does Hamlet seem cowardly at this point in the play?
  4. Does his method for proving the king’s guilt seem reasonable?
  5. Why is Hamlet’s plan clever?

Overall Questions-Pick 2 with evidence

  1. What behavior of Hamlet has alarmed Ophelia?
  2. How does Hamlet propose to test Claudius further?
  3. How does the opening of Scene ii parallel the opening of Scene I in this act?
  4. In his second soliloquy, why does Hamlet unfavorable compare himself with the players?
  5. Do you sympathize with Hamlet’s doubts and delay at this point in the play? Explain.
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