Hamlet Act II Study Guide Questions:
1. At the start of Scene I, Polonius asks Reynaldo to give Laertes some money and notes. What does Polonius tell him to do before he visits Laertes?
2. With what words does Polonius greet Ophelia?
3. According to Ophelia, what was notable about Hamlet's departure from her room?
4. At the start of Scene ii, the king describes Hamlet's "transformation" to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. What does he entreat them to do?
5. Voltemand brings news about Fortinbras. What request does Voltemand then report to Claudius?
6. Polonius explains his theory of Hamlet's madness to the king and queen. What plans to prove his theory does Polonius propose?
7. Hamlet repeatedly questions Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about their reasons for visiting him. What does he finally get them to admit?
8. After a flourish to announce the arriving actors, Hamlet says Claudius and Gertrude "are deceived." In what way does he then say they are deceived?
9. Polonius interrupts the First Player's speech by saying, "This is too long." When the speech resumes, whom does the speaker describe as "mobbled"?
10. As Hamlet sends off the Players, he asks the First Player if the actors know The Murder of Gonzago. What does Hamlet then ask the First Player to do?
11. What is the first thing Hamlet says after he realizes and states he is alone?
12. At the end of Act II, Hamlet explains his plan to have actors perform "something like the murder of my father before mine uncle." For what reason does he make this plan?