Hamlet Act 5 Study Questions:

Scene 1

  1. Explain Hamlet’s “Alas, poor Yorick” speech and the motif of the skull.
  2. Who is brought to be buried? How does Hamlet find out who it is?
  3. Why does Hamlet jump on top of the grave?

Scene 2

4. How did Hamlet ensure R & G’s deaths? Is he sorry?

5. What are Hamlet’s true feelings for Laertes?

6. Describe how Hamlet and Horatio EACH feel about the duel.

7. When Laertes and Hamlet speak before the duel, what does Hamlet say about his behavior at the gravesite?

8. Who really gets the upper hand in the duel?

9. Who drinks the poisoned cup first?

10. Explain the irony of Laertes poisoning the sword.

11. What does Gertrude tell hamlet as she dies?

12. What are Laertes’ dying words to Hamlet?

13. What are Hamlet’s dying words to Horatio?

14. There are four deaths on stage in Act 5; put them in order.

15. Explain the difference between Hamlet’s funeral and the others who have died.

16. Why, philosophically, does Hamlet have no soliloquies in Act 5?

Preparation for the Essay Exam

  1. Go over the main events of each scene.
  2. Decide how Hamlet changes. Consider the outcome of the play and what Shakespeare’s message may be.
  3. Consider the theme of love and loyalty in Hamlet—who showed the most loyalty? Who loved and never received love in return?
  4. What are the implications of a corrupt society (a “diseased” state)?

Hamlet Act 5 Study Questions:

Scene 1

1. Explain Hamlet’s “Alas, poor Yorick” speech and the motif of the skull.

2. Who is brought to be buried? How does Hamlet find out who it is?

3. Why does Hamlet jump on top of the grave?

Scene 2

4. How did Hamlet ensure R & G’s deaths? Is he sorry?

5. What are Hamlet’s true feelings for Laertes?

6. Describe how Hamlet and Horatio EACH feel about the duel.

7. When Laertes and Hamlet speak before the duel, what does Hamlet say about his behavior at the gravesite?

8. Who really gets the upper hand in the duel?

9. Who drinks the poisoned cup first?

10. Explain the irony of Laertes poisoning the sword.

11. What does Gertrude tell hamlet as she dies?

12. What are Laertes’ dying words to Hamlet?

13. What are Hamlet’s dying words to Horatio?

14. There are four deaths on stage in Act 5; put them in order.

15. Explain the difference between Hamlet’s funeral and the others who have died.

16. Why, philosophically, does Hamlet have no soliloquies in Act 5?

Preparation for the Essay Exam

1. Go over the main events of each scene.

2. Decide how Hamlet changes. Consider the outcome of the play and what Shakespeare’s message may be.

3. Consider the theme of love and loyalty in Hamlet—who showed the most loyalty? Who loved and never received love in return?

4. What are the implications of a corrupt society (a “diseased” state)?