Wednesday, October 20, 2010

ENG 125 - Act IV and V Revision Questions

Act IV
How does Hamlet contrast himself (all men) to beasts?
How does Claudius propose to satisfy Laertes' suspicions?
What reasons does Claudius give Laertes for not taking action against Hamlet, who, Claudius says "Pursed [his] life"?
Why does Claudius plan to poison the drink, in addition to poisoning the rapier tip which Laertes will wield?
How does Ophelia drown?

Act V
Why is there debate surrounding the nature of Ophelia's funeral?
What joking insult to the English does Shakespeare put into the gravedigger's dialogue, regarding Hamlet's madness?
What cause does Laertes ascribe to Ophelia's madness, which led to her death?
What prompts Hamlet's outburst at Ophelia's graveside?
How does Hamlet justify his counterfeit command that his friends are to be murdered by the English?
In his apology to Laertes, what does Hamlet mean when he says "I have shot my arrow o'er the house and hurt my brother"?
Why does Hamlet forbid Horatio to drink the rest of the poisoned cup?
Who will ascend to power as the new King of Denmark?

No comments:

Post a Comment